Robert Emmett “Sam” Kromer, 94, of Kimball Township, died Thursday, November 18, 2021.
He was born April 15, 1927 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to the late Emmett R. and Virginia Grube Kromer. He married his loving wife of 63 years, Dixie Means on August 16, 1958 in Punxsutawney.
Sam graduated from Punxsutawney High School and served in the U.S. Navy Seabees. He received his B.S. degree in Health Education at Slippery Rock State College, and a Master of Arts degree from Michigan State University. Sam began his teaching and coaching career in Springfield and Albion, Pennsylvania, where he worked for 11 years. He joined the staff of St. Clair County Community College in 1962 as an instructor and basketball and golf coach. He later served as Athletic Director, retiring in 1984 after 22 years with the college. Commencing with the 1964-65 season, Sam’s basketball “Skippers” won five straight Michigan Community College Athletic Association championships. His overall career record of 214-114 ranked him among the nation’s top coaches. His golf teams were also successful, finishing first place four times and in the league’s top four nine times in thirteen years of coaching, compiling an overall 143-83 record. Many of Sam’s athletes went on to successful careers at four-year schools, and a few to professional levels. Sam served as a charter member of the Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame Board of Trustees upon its inception in 1977 and was inducted in 1989, and was also an original inductee into the SC4 Skippers Hall of Fame. He originated the concept of the flight tennis tournament and the local Sam Kromer Tennis Tournament was named in his honor. He was a pilot, an active golfer and bowler and also officiated high school football. Sam also enjoyed attending local sporting events, and interacting with all involved.
He was a member of First Congregational Church, and a Port Huron Kiwanis Club past president and 40-year Legion of Honor member.
He is survived by his wife, Dixie; a son, Eric Kromer; a daughter, Karen (Erik) Sharrard; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and a sister, Pamela Ann (Scott) Magione.
Visitation will be held 2-5 p.m. on Friday November 26, 2021 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 12 noon. The Reverend Dr. Thomas Seppo will officiate.
Burial will be in Valier Cemetery, Valier, Pennsylvania. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com
