James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | April 10, 2026
Melanie “Loni” Cronau, 91, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026. Born February 3, 1935, in East McKeesport, she lived a long and full life marked by creativity, curiosity, and the traditions she proudly made her own - moving through the world in her own time, small in stature and entirely herself. She was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Margareta Thalheimer; her siblings, Al (Alice) Thalheimer, Hilde (Carl) Gaffron, and ConradThalheimer; her son, Greg Cronau; and her dear Aunt Lotte Probst. Loni is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Randy; her daughter, Andrea (Rick) Mroz; her granddaughter, Amanda (Joe) Giacobbi; and her great-grandsons, Joey and Henry, as well as many nieces and nephews. Loni and Randy’s story began when they met at a friend’s wedding and grew into a lifetime of shared experiences. As founding members of the Westmoreland Ski Club, they enjoyed many ski trips, including several out west, and they also worked side by side building their company, R.C. Cronau & Associates. A graduate of East McKeesport High School, Loni also attended the University of Pittsburgh and went on to work as a real estate agent for many years. An avid gardener, Loni knew more about flowers and trees than most books could hold. She was also a talented seamstress and a proud member of a group of women who affectionately referred to themselves as “The KnitWits.” She loved animals throughout her life, especially her many cats, including Jake, who lived to be 22, and another dear cat, Julie, as well as a particularly special Cocker Spaniel, Max. She very much loved to read, and also enjoyed celebrating her German heritage through food, decorating, and music. Her life and memory will be carried forward by those whose lives she touched. Family and friends will be received from 4PM to 7PM Monday, April 13 at Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will be held the next morning, Tuesday April 14, at 11am. Memorial contributions may be made to Queen of Angels Catholic School or to an animal shelter of your choice. Her family is most grateful for all the support and care she received at Greene Health & Rehab.
Originally published April 10, 2026.
Other deaths:
"James J. Zello Jr." ||
