John Anthony Chromy

John Anthony Chromy, 71, of Arden, died on Sunday, August 9, 2015 in Asheville. A native of Buffalo, NY, he was a son of the late John Anthony and Rachel Raniero Chromy. John was an active member of the Reuter YMCA and loved playing racquetball, volunteering at the library, driving his truck, eating ice cream sandwiches, giving his dogs extra treats, and watching the New Orleans Saints and LSU football. He will always be remembered for his incredibly kind nature, his graciousness, his great sense of humor and his glowing smile. He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine N. Chromy; step-daughter, Ellie Fulton and her husband, Brady, and their children, Emmett and Isaac (all of Asheville); step-daughter Amy Eckart (of Asheville); step-son, Dr. Nathaniel Strobel and his wife, Kimberly, and their children, Canaan and Gabriel, (all of Houston, TX) and sister-in-law, Debra Adriance (of Buffalo, NY). He was predeceased by his brother, Norm Chromy. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the entire staff of Heather Glen and of the Laurels of GreenTree Ridge for their loving care of John. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 13, 2015, at The Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation in John's name to either the Reuter Family YMCA (3 Town Square Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28803), the Friends of South Buncombe Library (260 Overlook Road, Asheville, NC 28803) or to Four Seasons Compassion For Life (571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731). In addition to tears and/or feelings of grief, the family asks that you extend a smile to a stranger, hold the door open for another, tell a joke, or practice a random act of kindness to continue John's legacy of love, laughter and kindness to all. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.