Crunkleton recognized for long-time service
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Robert Crunkleton with the clock and plaque given to him by the Greencastle-Antrim Area Development Corporation in recognition of his service. Crunkleton is the last founding member of the GAADC.

When Robert Crunkleton commits to an organization, he's in it for the long haul.

As a result of his 48 years of service to the Greencastle- Antrim Area Development Corporation, he was recognized at its annual meeting and presented a plaque and clock.

The inscription reads 'In appreciation for dedication and faithful service to the community 1959-2007.'

He is the last surviving charter officer of the GAADC.

Crunkleton, 85, took the award to his office. Today he is retired from the electrical construction business, but still has a job. He is administrator of the GA Foundation, which operates the Grove Medical Center at 50 Eastern Ave. He reports in five days a week to answer questions about the center and keep track of tenants.

"Bob's been very instrumental in a lot of things in the community," Gary Gembe, president of GAADC, said in an understatement.

Crunkleton has been a supportive partner of the progressive goal of the development corporation, to bring major business to Greencastle and Antrim Township.

He got involved because of A. G. Crunkleton.

"I joined because my dad was in it," he said. "He was all enthused about it. There were a good many members."

The first achievement was bringing Corning Glass Works to town in 1959. In the '70s Armco Steel, Sylvania Shoes and Anvil Products moved in.

He is proud that efforts to purchase the Kriner farm for the Greencastle-Antrim Industrial Park were successful.

"We went all over the country getting heirs to sign off on the deed. People said, 'You'll never get it.' It was done. We did it."

And Crunkleton is pleased that GAADC has been able to bring jobs to the community. He hopes the plan to develop the second stage of the connector road will come to pass.

"(GAADC) has to work with the Antrim Township supervisors. We tried to get interested people. That's hard to do without a road in there."

He said locators come to his office to inquire about the parcel of land, situated between Leitersburg Pike and Route 11 South.

"They don't like to see a picture of what's coming," he said. They want the site ready now.

Crunkleton is also a longtime member of the Greencastle Lions Club, with 53 years of perfect attendance. He and his wife Ruth traveled across the country for national conventions.

"I don't travel much anymore."

He has also been a member of the G-A Chamber of Commerce since 1955, serving as the first secretary.

He does find satisfaction in serving on the local organizations.

"I have a good feeling about getting jobs for people into the community."