Dear John, 

I just found out today, after all these years, that you are up in heaven, God bless your soul! Our lives diverged and I hadn't called you for years and years. I never thought you would go before me because I was older than you. I thought I would always get an answer when I called 
212-362-9213! You would say hello, and I would say, "Is this John Baton?"  You would laugh, and say, "Shirley!" Fred bestowed that special name, "John Baton" on you when you got the Broadway show. Your phone number was never erased from my memory, dear, dear
John Baton!
Today I called you at 212-362-9213, and there was a recording. Then I checked Google and got the bad news, many years too late.
I will always remember the fun we had at the
Nell Gwynn's cocktail hour gig, and how you named the chicken and rice dish, "rice and bones"! You were so right, not much chicken!
I enjoyed good times with you and dear Jeff. I recall meeting your son when he was a very little boy. 
I wish I could contact Jeff, but I don't know his contact information. Could anyone who reads this and knows Jeff's email address or phone number please let me know? My name is 
Shirley Gifford, 917-453-7932.
My email:  segifford89@hotmail.com 

John, I think of heaven from time to time, and think of my relatives who have gone there already. Now, I shall think of you being there, too, and how, one day, we can make beautiful music in heaven!

Love always,
Shirley 


Nine years of reliving that night; the second seder masking what had happened .....thank god knowing and loving you has provided so many happy memories. You are loved and missed everyday,  dear John. You would be proud of how strong Jean, Laurie, Jeff and Marcus have been. Till we meet again.

John was a one-of-a-kind. A gifted and endearing man who has left so many of us with unforgettable memories. 

Thanks, John. I miss you.

Dennis

John, the guest book will be online for just a few more days and I have been thinking about you more than I usually do, if that is possible. You've been...absent? for more than two years and not a day goes by without my missing you. The pain is less intense but it is always there. Sometimes when I think of something funny or absurd, and I know that you will be the only other person who will think that way, my hand will reach, involuntarily, for the phone. I guess it's perfectly normal. After all there were many days when we spoke four or five times in a day. Sandy and I will never stop loving you and will never stop loving and caring about Jeff and Marcus. I've never really given much thought to whether or not there is an afterlife. Now I kind of hope there is if only for the chance to laugh with you again.

From the "Tony King Show" to "the musical version of "The Diary of Anne Frank" (John called it "Dear Diary!")to the glorious rendition of"Love, Look in My Window" (a la Merman)John's spirit of wit was exceeded only by his boundless knowledge of the musical theater he loved. Great times!  Great Memories!  That's what lives on.  Love to you all!
Love to Jeff and Marcus!

Johnny...we became friends when we were twelve years old at The Academy, went to college together, hosted our radio show together and traveled the countryside together.  We lived together, ate together, laughed together, cried together, hugged each other, punched each other, loved each other and hated each other.

RIP, my friend.  There never existed a funnier, more talented man than you and never a kinder spirit.

Love, Spats

P.S. Hey, Johnny, spoke to Jeffrey last night and he sounded almost okay.  Just thought you'd like to know.  Then again, you know already, don't you.

My One and Only John,
One minute I was sad that I hadn't spoken with you in months.  The next minute I was devastated and heartbroken to find you were gone from my life forever.  
Memories of shlepping up to the Catskills and stopping at the Middletown Diner for fried chicken - and of course your fabulous impersonation of Hermione Gingold - Ah yes, I remember it well.  Every trip to the Borscht Belt and the Country Clubs with you was an adventure where you had us doubled over with laughter.  In fact, every moment spent with you was a blessing from God.
Then there was "Hollywood Live" in Amish country. I will never forget how wonderful you and Jeff were to me during that time.  Your talent, love and support gave me the courage to perform again.
Yes, unfortunately we lost touch over the years and our catch-up phone calls were never enough.  But some people remain in your heart no matter how life separates you.  I will never forget your adorable face.  You were truly one of a kind.
Jeff and Marcus - my heart aches for you.  John always spoke so proudly of you both - he loved you so.
How lucky we all were to have John touch our lives.
"A Prince of Love in every way
 Ah yes, I remember it well."

December 23,2012
It was with great shock to find this out today as I sat and read the IC News. My eyes were filled with tears and my heart was remembering the laughter he brought to many. He was a kind
 and gentle man, Jeff & Marcus I am so sorry for your loss
Tammy Sue Brainin, New York Class of "74

Is Anybody There?
John Kroner's 1776 Musical

As a new congress struggles to sit and sign,
A reluctant nation hears a General resigned,
Not one response to his last fifteen dispatches,
"is anybody there?" defines a union that detaches.

Adams' vision, through all the gloom and stories, 
Are the rays of ravishing light and glory.

I sit at the desk where John used to play,
Listening for show tunes from far away,
But all I see are the posters of fame,
All I think about is life's little game.

Jefferson's worried about the use of 'Tyrant"
Adams remarks, it's a revolution, damn it, 
We're going to have to offend somebody!
Yet these men work to offend nobody.

John is showing me his favorite musical,
And leading me through how beautiful,
The music matches the words of song,
I know how hard it is to say so long.

Rutledge in South Carolina demands the removal,
Of the anit-slavery clause for his approval.

Now John remembers the actors who starred,
Each held by a memory's compass card,
Sure in its direction and pointing the way,
Jeff's proud of John's and his tune-filled days.

Wilson doesn't want to be the man to say nay,
So rallies for American Independence and votes a "yea."

I smile at John so present for me in his prime,
In answer to questions of a favorite in time,
The gift of musicals is fine, yet 1776 is sublime,
Is anybody there rings out for all of rhyme.

Lewis Morris, and delegates from New York say,
"To Hell with New York, I'll sign it anyway!"

As Hancock watches over the Declaration signing,
And the others join a new country designing,
Its future secured in most thoughtful hands,
I miss our John and know he understands.

Love, Rob

Dearest John,
Your sweetness and kindness were unmatched. I will always miss you and long for the fruition of our plan to be elderly roomates. I'm resolved to honor you by being as good and kind a person as you... and to always be there for Jeff and Marcus,
All my love,
Bonnie

You will be forever in my heart. You were an integral part of my past, and I will always regret that you were not part of my present and future.

Knowing John and Jeff for over 35 years, it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my pal "Yvonne de Kroner", as I affectionately called him.  My fellow Barbra freak to the max, always dear, sweet, kind, he made you feel like you were real special.  It is John who was the most special of all.  Love you always, from Ithaca, Binghamton, to New York. Sympathies to Jeff, Marcus and the rest of the family.

Everyday Luka and I talk about how much we miss John, love him, and how much he influenced our lives. From the he fun lazy days when we lived on 88th street and could walk to each others houses in 1 minute, the boys were litle and the backyard BBQs right thru to John prepping Luka for his South Pacific audition, which he got at age 7, because after all when someone as close as John was to him could make music seem so much a normal part of life, what is there to be scared of at an audition!!  John had recently worked with Luka on Into the Woods and thank God I taped it on my iPhone. He was exciting and joyful, and his usual passionate warm loving self. On Friday Luka had to learn a brand new John Kander song for a callback. It hit us so hard that John would not be there to share this with, and teach and mentor Luka. It was a very comedic song that John would gotten a real kick out of! Luka went and gave Mr Kander a good belly laugh and that was priceless. Jeff just texted me that John was probably in the room with him. I sure think so. We miss you John!! Every single day! Xxoo

April 18, 2012
  To the Kroner Family,
I have known John since elementary school where we attended Walnut Avenue. I was glad to see John again in 2009 and reconnect with him at a high school reunion. He seemed so content with all aspects of his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in Cranford and New York.
Joan (Backinoff) Dill
Sharon, Massachusetts

John radiated with the warmth of your favorite blanket. I can still see Henri sound asleep on Johns chest at his first birthday party. What a loving soul  John is and always will be. We will miss you dearly. 
Love and light to you and Jeff and Markus

Ron, Madeline, Henri and Alma

My sweet Juan -- Time cannot dim the light you have lit in so many lives, dear one.
love always,
mariah von munger

One day he's preparing a musical score for me, the next he's gone? John? That relaxed feeling you had when you were in his presence. His overwhelming knowledge and love of his craft, but never with airs or attitude. Can all this have disappeared? No, never completely. In memory, for all who knew him, who can still hear his voice in their heads, still feel his gentle nature,  John lives.
Love, Jimmy

John was my introduction to Broadway musicals. His love of the arts, his family and friends...an inspiration.  He will be missed so very much.

To the Kroner family, who I and my Cranford, NJ family knew since childhood; I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a dear childhood friend. My most sincere sympathies to his family in Cranford and in New York.

Hey john;  you said this to me a long time ago.  Ginny if you remember me as Barbara Striesand and I remember you as Frank Sinatra than we will never forget each other.  i never forgot you.  Say hi to Frank for me.   .                                                                                           ginny

We were privileged to know John. A sweet warm lovable caring easy going talented person. We didn't get to see him enough, but when we did it was fun. Being connected to Jeff through marriage we got to come to their home in NYC. What a treat.....so much fun. cooking, movies, theatre people parties.Events we went to too many to mention.John will live in song forever in our hearts and mind. Robyn Frankel Martin, Jason Jeremy

You will be greatly missed John by your family and the world!

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

How wonderful to read the outpouring of kind words about John.  Might I add that however quick and sardonic his wit, his quips were never at the expense of anyone else.  Rest in peace, John.

Dear John,

If your life were a song from a show, it would truly be a show-stopper. It would be one of those numbers that Walter Kerr would single out as being destined to become a standard: It would be funny and touching and possess a melody that would be easy to hum as soon as we left the theater. 
Right now in this moment I am longing for a reprise.
I will love you and be grateful for your powerful, positive influence on my life forever.
-Doug

I was so very sorry to know of John's passing. My heart is breaking for Jeff and Marcus. The three of you were such a wonderful family. Our family enjoyed many summer days when Jeff, John, and Marcus visited us in the woods of NJ - sharing meals, conversation, the pool, hot tub, and the Fair. We will all miss John - he was a dear friend.

I am so sad after hearing of John's passing, but I know I will see him again and we will greet each other with a resounding "Hello.....Dahling."

I had the pleasure of living a few floors up from John, Jeff, and Marcus for two years and can't remember a single time where I saw John without a smile on his face.  He will be sorely missed.

WHEN I MOVED TO NEW YORK IN THE EARLY EIGHTIES I WAS INTRODUCED TO THREE THINGS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE –  THE EXPRESS TRAIN, COLD NOODLES IN SESAME SAUCE AND JOHN KRONER.  HE WAS A GIFT FROM LYNNIE GREENE AND WE BECAME FRIENDS AND COLLABORATORS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.   I CAN'T BEGIN TO COUNT THE WONDERFUL DAYS AND NIGHTS SPENT AT CASA KRONER/MARTIN OVER THE YEARS – WRITING SONGS, ORDERING TAKE OUT (OR BETTER STILL, JEFF COOKING), PLANNING OUR FUTURES, SHARING OUR LIVES.  AND THE VIDEOS, GOOD GOD HAS THERE EVER BEEN A LIVING ROOM LIKE JOHN & JEFF'S?    JOHN WAS THE ORIGINAL YOUTUBE.   EVEN AFTER I WOUND UP BACK IN LOS ANGELES WE NEVER LOST TOUCH.   HE CONTINUED TO BE PART OF THE FABRIC OF MY LIFE – MY HUSBAND, DAVID LOVED HIM.  MY DAUGHTER, MABEL LOVED HIM.  HE EVEN HAD A SPECIAL BOND WITH MY DOG, PUSHKIN.  ALTHOUGH THAT RELATIONSHIP WAS STRAINED WHEN PUSHKIN STOLE JOHN'S TUNA FISH.  

JOHN WAS AN EXTRAORDINARILY SWEET, KIND, TALENTED, GUILELESS MAN, WHO BROUGHT A SENSE OF JOY AND WONDER TO EVERYTHING HE DID AND EVERY LIFE HE TOUCHED.   THE IDEA THAT HE IS NO LONGER HERE WITH US IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE.

Remembering John, I am particularly grateful for his believe in pure talent. When he and Jeff arrived in beautiful Aruba to bring their magic touch to the Alladin Theatre, they created a wonderful sinergy between local and American talent. Genie, the musical, will forever be the Greatest show produced for the tiniest stage! We are forever blessed with the fond memories of this dear human being. May he rest in Peace.

I am so sorry for your loss. I am thankful I was able to visit Jeff, John and Marcus while I was in NYC over Christmas. John was a wonderful person and he will be missed.

John-- we met when we were 4 years old and I moved in next door.  So many years of playing after school, being in plays together, always staying in touch.  I will miss your loving friendship.  I always knew you were there.  My heart goes out to Jeff, Marcus, Jean and Laurie.  We have lost a lovely human being.

I am saddened by this news, John was always funny, creative and a great person to work with. I have fond memories of John and the shows. Heartfelt sympathy and love to Jeff and Marcus.

You are with me now and you will be with me tomorrow and every day thereafter. Sandy and I will love you forever and will always be there for Jeff and Marcus. And one more time:  "God dag på dig"

John was one of the funniest people I ever met. He and Jeff gave me my start in show business and changed my life forever. The world has lost a great talent and heaven will be a much funnier place with an angel like John. I will miss him. My love and sympathy go out to you, Jeff and Marcus.

John always was kind and enthusiastic. His special warmth and expressions of surprise and enjoyment always lifted my spirits.  As a member of a community of gifted people in the world of musical theater and cabaret his leaving us has created a great loss to the community. -Ellie Ellsworth a fellow West Ender.

John was one-of-a kind and, perhaps, the funniest person I have ever known. His impersonation of Ethel Meman was classic - only to be surpassed by his self made lounge lizard character, Tony King. I so enjoyed our friendship and visiting John and Jeff at their wonderful West Side home was better than going to Disney World. I am grateful that dispute the fact that I live in nashville, our friendship remained as strong as ever. John, here's looking at you kid.

I am devastated by the news of John's passing. Oh yes you will be missed by so many. My heart is heavy for Jeff and Marcus.

John was such a dear and knowledgable man, so creative, so warm and so funny. He taught me so much. I am so grateful to have known him for so many years and to have been blessed by his friendship, support and deep storehouse of information. I am grateful, too, that in the most recent years, his musical theatre history students had the chance to be influenced by him. I will miss his presence but will never, ever forget him or what he taught me. My heart goes out to Jeff, Marcus and all John's family and friends.

I was so sad to hear of John's passing from our mutual friend (who also introduced us) phil stellar. John had such a kind heart. He embraced me with open arms since our first meeting. My deepest condolences to Jeff and Marcus. I'm sure he we will be watching down on you both from above.

We are shocked beyond measure by John's death. John was one of the kindest, sweetest, most generous people we have ever met -- a devoted father, partner and friend. His goodness and talent lit up the world. Marcus and Jeff, we send you all our love.

= Kati, Conn, Danny, Jack, Molly and Isabel.

John, You have always been my major source of laughter and now there is an emptiness that can never be filled. I have your smiling image imprinted in my brain and you will always walk along side of me.  I love you, Jeff

There are no words for the deep sadness I feel.  John was so concerned about inconveniencing people by having them shlep to the hospital to visit him...and even more concerned that people help out Jeff and Marcus first.  And that was John.
Selfless, kind, talented, funny....just the dearest sweetest man.  And most importantly-my friend.  I will miss him for the rest of my life.

You were one of a kind, John — a sweet and wonderful mix of talent, wit, generosity and kindness that will never be forgotten.

So shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing.  His gift of talent, generosity and kindness to us will be remembered for the rest of our lives.  He set us on a path of sharing that has enriched us beyond words and given us endless joys.  We will miss his spirit in this world.

I am so sorry to hear about John's passing.  He was a great guy and I enjoyed whatever amount of time I got to spend with him.  He will be very missed.

you brought much joy to so many by your time here on earth.. rest in peace.

Prayers with John; and prayers and thoughts with Jeff and Marcus.

We only knew John for the past few years, but were so impressed by his warmth; sincerity and dedication and love for his son Marcus. The world has lost one of the best there was - Phil and Chet Stellar

RIP "Putti" from "Otto." You always made me laugh, and you always inspired.

I am so sad to learn of John's passing. I grew up with John and his family and have such fond memories of our childhood days. I am so sorry we have not been in touch. He was always such a wonderful human being. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. My family is so sorry for your loss. Nancy(Rabin) Gelber, Steve Rabin and Elyse (Rabin) Schneiderman

We are in shock. John was such a dear, sweet friend. Everyone who knew John appreciated his goodness. Jeff and Marcus, our family is so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

OBITUARY

John Kroner

Passed away on APRIL 7, 2012

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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