Port Ewen - Gilbert A. Krom a life time Ulster County resident died Thursday, May 19, 2016. He was 85.

He graduated from Kingston High School in 1948 and worked at Krom' s Radio and Television until being drafted in the Army. He served on active duty in the US Army from 1952 to 1973, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He graduated from OCS at Fort Sill, the Associate Field Artillery Career Course, the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor of General Education, and the USA Command and General Staff College. He served in Korea, two tours in Germany and in Vietnam. Colonel Krom was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, ROK Presidential Unit Citation, VN Cross of Gallantry w/palm (twice) and the VN Civil Actions Medal 1st Class w/oak leaf device (twice). He also has received the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal ( 5 campaign stars), Reserved Forces Service Medal with Hour Glass (20 years service), United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal. In addition, he has received the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross (4 Awards) and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star (2 awards).

After he retired from the military, he went to work for The Handel Group, Inc. in Poughkeepsie as Director of Service and Administration. During his work there he picked up State of New York Insurance Department license's as Independent Adjuster for Accident and Health, a Brokers License, and an Agent's license for Life insurance. He obtained a NYS Notary Public Commission, He also received an Associate Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting and received a certificate of completion in the abbreviated correspondence course of actuarial calculations for pension plans from the Eastern Pension Association, Inc. He retired from the Handel Group December 1990 and has been busy with volunteer type work since.

He is a member of the Reformed Church of Port Ewen where is served as Elder and deacon on the consistory. He taught the adult Sunday School. He has been known to preach on occasions when the pastor is away. He was the financial advisor for the church coordinating the annual church budget.

He is a life member of The Holland Society of New York having a direct male line to a Dutch ancestor arriving in New Netherlands in 1662. He is a member of the Columbia-Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter, Empire State Society, of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a life member of the Klyne Esopus Historical Society and a past vice�?­ president and trustee. He is a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and AARP and volunteers as a Tax Counselor for the Elderly. He is past president and member emeritus of the Mid-Hudson Chapter, Institute of Management Accountants (formerly the National Association of Accountants).

A life member of the Reserve Officers Association, Past Department Vice President, Region VII Vice President, Ulster County Chapter President, Dutchess County Chapter President and is currently the Ulster County Chapter Secretary-Treasurer.

He is a life member of the Military Officers Association of America (formerly The Retired Officers Association), Past President of the Mid-Hudson Chapter and currently the Secretary (second time) and Treasurer.
A life member of the American Legion, Past Department Vice Commander, Past Third District Commander, Past Ulster County Commander, Past Town of Esopus Post 1298 Commander and currently Third District Judge Advocate and Post 1298 Finance Officer and Trustee.

A life member of the VFW Kingston Post 1386. A life member Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 60 in Kingston. A perpetual member of The Military Order of the World Wars. A life member of the Association of the United States Army. A member of the Loyal Order of Moose, formerly a member of the Kingston Lodge 970.

Born Dec. 24, 1930, in Kingston, he was the son of the late Carlton F. and Dorothy Short Krom. Survivors include his sister Shirley M. Handel of Poughkeepsie and two nephews Robert D. Handel of Pittsburgh, PA and Evan B. Handel of Poughkeepsie.

Arrangements are under the care of the Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park. In following Gil���?�s preplanned directions, there are no calling hours or funeral procession.

A graveside service officiated by Pastor Kevin Slusher, followed by full military honors will begin at 10:00 am Monday, May 23rd at Fairview Cemetery, Fairview Cemetery Lane, Stone Ridge.

To send a condolence or for cemetery directions, visit: www.GVVFH.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gilbert A. Krom, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Affiliations