Obituary of Ken Croney

James Kenneth "Ken" Croney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026 after playing golf in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He was 83.

Born in Abington, Pennsylvania in 1942, Ken lived a life defined by loyalty, faith, humor, and love of family. He was a man who embraced both hard work and joy, whether on the golf course, tending to his property, exploring the world with his family, or taking strolls on the beach with his wife, Dawn.

Ken was a proud graduate of Villanova University's School of Engineering and Harvard Law School. He served his country with honor as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

His professional life was marked by excellence and integrity. Ken practiced law with Ballard Spahr LLP and High Swartz LLP, served as General Counsel for the Alco Standard Corporation, and contributed his expertise in corporate law to numerous organizations. He also gave generously of his time as a board member for Springside Chestnut Hill Academy and for Musicopia, reflecting his belief in the power of education and the arts.

A passionate and accomplished golfer, Ken was a longtime member of Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and The Buccaneer in St. Croix. He also served on the Golf Association of Philadelphia's Executive Committee and as an officiator, roles that combined his love of sport with his sense of fairness and community.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Dawn Tichenor Croney, and their children and their spouses: Jennifer Croney Chernak, James Kenneth Croney Jr. and Wendy Bigio Croney, Joseph Keith Croney and Laura Leslie Croney, and Morgan Croney Harcro and Ruth Harris Harcro. He was the proud grandfather of Samantha Drake Croney, Winter Chernak Earley, Trey Croney, Meredith Chernak, Joe Croney, Annabelle Croney, Oliver Croney, Young Brave Harcro, Pina Ruth Harcro, and Celis Day Harcro.

Those who knew Ken will remember his warm laugh, his easy smile, and his steadfast presence. He carried himself with quiet strength and unwavering kindness, and his influence will continue to shine through the lives he touched.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, St. Anthony of Padua Church, 259 Forest Avenue, Ambler, PA, where friends will be received from 9:00- 10:15 AM. Interment in Washington Crossing National Cemetery will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Friends of the Wissahickon, 40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118 https://fow.org/membership-donations/donate/ or a charity of one's choice, in honor of Ken's lifelong commitment to community and education.