George W. Kroener

George W. Kroener, 80, of Narragansett passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. He was the beloved husband of Katherine (Patric) Kroener for many years. George called Narragansett home for most of his life, although he was born in Connecticut. His parents were Anna and Frederick Kroener, and he had one brother, Frederick Kroener jr. All predeceased George, except for his wife. George Kroener was a professional, commercial photographer in the days of film. He did all his own developing, towing a trailer, with his darkroom inside, around the country. Among other ventures, he worked for newspapers, cruise lines, ski resorts, and even as the "mug joint" guy. This was what they called the photographer on the traveling midwest "carnies", or fair circuits. It may have been unconventional, but George made his living doing what he loved, often with only one of his dogs as a traveling companion. Mr. Kroener was also a military veteran, serving in Germany with honor. He was too much of a free spirit however, to make the Army his career. George loved the ocean and spent much of his younger life "gunk- holing" around the coast and "messing about in boats". He was a fast dinghy sailor and liked the breeze a bit brisk. He and his wife also enjoyed kayaking. They cared deeply about the local waters and were extremely instrumental in keeping the USCG station at Point Judith open and fully staffed, as well as insuring that Galilee would remain a port for commercial fishermen. George Kroener was gifted in his chosen profession, and enjoyed taking pictures his entire adult life, especially candid portraits. George could get the true character of a person in his photos. He was "dangerous" with his cameras. He also adapted well to the modern digital world of pixels, computers, and printers. He pleased a great many people with his work, both before and after he "retired." If you were fortunate enough to know George, you will not easy forget him. He had a true "Swamp Yankee" heart, strong in determination, loyalty, and pride in work done well. His was a firmly conservative sense of moral values, honor, and integrity. He was patriotic, very conscientious, and incredibly honest. As they say in Newfoundland, where George and his "Missus" (wife) spent many happy summers, He was a "skipper" (husband) of the "finest kind." Today George is survived only by Katherine. There will be a modest service of remembrance for George, at the "Perryville Bible Church" on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, any kind donations may be made to that same church, which George attended as long as he was able. Even when he no longer could go, he faithfully studied the Word of God, right up to the end.