On February 12, 2025, at the age of 84, Steven John Crounse of Fernandina Beach, FL, passed away at home, surrounded by Love. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 42 years, Peggie Weeks, and their family: Brian (Karin), Steven (Melanie), Peter, and Dylan (Courtney)—and seven grandchildren—Thatcher, Annabelle, Cecelia, Beckett, Harper, Charlotte, and the newest addition, Chloe. He is also survived by his brother, Peter (Marge).
Born on November 15, 1940, in Oneonta, New York, to Maynard and Alice (Dougan), Steve's strong work ethic started young. At just eight years old, he helped his older brother Pete deliver The Binghamton Press. This small-town upbringing shaped a man who valued community, history and making people laugh.
Steve was drafted into the United States Army on his 23rd birthday in 1963, serving in Korea during the Vietnam War and working in aircraft maintenance. After completing his service, he returned home and built a 30-year career in quality control and process engineering at Corning Glass Works. There, he marveled at the artistry of glassmaking and the skill of the people who created it. More importantly, he met Peggie, the love of his life. Like the glass they helped craft, their marriage was strong, resilient and built to last.
A natural storyteller, Steve could spin a tale that made you laugh, think or both. He had a deep love for history—especially the Civil War and World War II—and traced his Crounse family lineage back to the American Revolution. His passion for the past led him and Peggie to restore Millport Mercantile, a historic 1842 general store in Millport, NY, preserving a piece of history for future generations.
He had a gift for making everyone feel special—he was a "One-Man Fan Club." Whether with a joke, a song on his ukulele, or a well-timed quip, he insured that levity lightened the load (of life). His beloved ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out!) held a special place in his heart.
In later years, his faithful companion was Chance, a small dog with a big heart. Despite frequent reminders not to, Steve always made sure Chance got his share of dinner—because no one, least of all his four-legged friend, was ever left out.
Steven John Crounse leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and stories well told. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and all those lucky enough to have known him. Somewhere, he’s already found a new audience, spinning another tale.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please share a story, crack a joke or feed a small dog something delicious in his honor. He’d like that.