[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 30 (Monday, February 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED JOSEPH CRONA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of 
Northwest Florida's beloved Joseph Crona.
   Mr. Crona was a native of Pensacola, Florida and a longtime leader 
in the Northwest Florida community. He was a true patriot. After 
graduating from Pensacola High School, Mr. Crona answered the call of 
duty, serving with honor and distinction during World War II in the 
European Theater. When he returned home, Mr. Crona attended Florida 
State University, where he played offense, defense, and special teams 
on Florida State University's inaugural football team. He continued to 
follow his beloved Seminoles, taking in games around the country, and 
he was honored by the University as part of a special ceremony 
recognizing the Fiftieth Anniversary of the school's first football 
team.
   After graduating from FSU with a degree in economics, Mr. Crona 
moved back to his hometown where he translated his success in the 
classroom and on the football field to the boardroom. He began working 
in the Trust Department at Citizens and Peoples National Bank, rising 
to become a Trust Officer. In 1971, he joined Commercial National Bank 
as Executive Vice-President, and shortly thereafter, Mr. Crona became 
President of Commercial National Bank. He went on to serve as President 
of Charter National, Century National and finally Sun Bank, where he 
worked as President/CEO until his retirement in 1994.
   Mr. Crona was an avid sportsman, and he pursued his passion for the 
outdoors through years hunting and fishing. As an active member of the 
Pensacola Sports Association, Mr. Crona helped to bring world class 
sporting events to Northwest Florida. He served as President and 
Tournament Director of the Pensacola Open, which saw world class PGA 
golfers, including legendary winners such as Arnold Palmer, Gary Player 
and Pensacola's own Jerry Pate, compete at the highest level in front 
of Northwest Florida's passionate fans.
   In addition to his tireless efforts promoting sports throughout the 
area, Mr. Crona was an active member of Northwest Florida's civic 
society. He was a member of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, the 
United Way, Navy League and numerous Mardi Gras organizations. He 
served as President of the Fiesta of Five Flags, which commemorates 
Pensacola's founding as the first European settlement in America, and 
in 1989 he wore the mask of Don Tristan De Luna, as the ceremonial head 
of the festivities.
   As a patriot and a veteran, Mr. Crona also recognized the importance 
of honoring and thanking the brave men and women who sacrifice so much 
so that we may be free, and he was a part of a small group who secured 
financing and oversaw the construction of the World War II Memorial at 
Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola.
   Mr. Crona is survived by Diane, his wife of 57 years; his daughter, 
Susan Smart; as well as two grandchildren, Joseph and Sydney Smart. To 
some Joseph Crona will be remembered as a patriot and a leader in the 
Northwest Florida community. To others he will be remembered as a 
lifelong Florida State Seminole. To his friends and family, he will 
most fondly be remembered as a loving and devoted family man. His 
tireless work and immense contributions to his community cannot be 
overstated. Northwest Florida has truly suffered a great loss with his 
passing.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pride to honor the life of Joseph Crona. My wife Vicki joins me 
in extending our most sincere condolences to the entire Crona family.

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