Walter Chronert, a longtime Los Altos resident and high-profile community leader for more than four decades, died Sept. 8 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Chronert was 88.
Born in Du Quoin, Ill., Mr. Chronert graduated from South Milwaukee High School in Wisconsin and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich.
During World War II, he was stationed in Manila, the Philippines, but also spent time in Monterey, where he learned to enjoy California.
Years later, after one-too-many cold winters living in Gary, Ind., Mr. Chronert moved his family to Los Altos, in 1959.
He began working at the Los Altos post office in 1963 and became postmaster in 1971. One of his most notable accomplishments as postmaster was the installation of drive-up mailboxes, located across the street from the post office on First Street. Mr. Chronert served as postmaster until 1979.
Mr. Chronert showed an astute business sense to go with his eternal optimism. He helped rescue the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce from financial difficulties by helping to arrange sales of flags to merchants as part of the 1976 bicentennial celebration. He served as chairman of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce in 1977-78,
From early on, Mr. Chronert was involved in community service. He was a Boy Scout troop leader and longtime member of the Los Altos Kiwanis Club. His work with disabled Scout members and adaptive physical education instructors led to his organizing the annual Kiwanis Special Games. The event, involving disabled athletes from all around Santa Clara County, allows them to compete in events from softball toss to races. The games drew more than 850 students at the 29th annual meet this year.
In addition, Mr. Chronert was active in the United Way as well as in his church, Presbyterian Church of Sunnyvale.
One highlight for Mr. Chronert came late in life. In 1996, he was selected to carry the Olympic torch for the Atlanta games, walking the torch along El Camino Real from Showers Drive to San Antonio Road.
He was a notable participant in the annual Kiwanis Pet Parade in downtown Los Altos, often serving as the event’s master of ceremonies. Mr. Chronert’s voice could be heard every year, calling play-by-play as marching bands, dogs and horses passed by.
Mr. Chronert was rarely seen without a smile on his face. “He always had a smile, always liked a good joke,” said his son, Gary. “I can’t tell you how many people came up to me and said your father was the sweetest guy.”
Peter Bergesman, a 20-year Kiwanis Club member alongside Mr. Chronert, remarked, “Walt was the person you would go to if you wanted to get something done.”
He recalled a story from Mr. Chronert’s World War II Army days about how Mr. Chronert, an accomplished trumpet player, rounded up musicians at the Presidio at Monterey. They had no instruments, so he arranged to borrow them from a local high school. Performances were so well received, the base commander ended up purchasing new instruments for the band.
Gary said his father served as his inspiration for following into community service. Gary is currently a member of the school board for the Cambrian School District in San Jose.
“He had a wonderful, full life,” Gary said. “We’ll miss him a lot.”
Mr. Chronert is survived by his two sons, Bill (and wife Margi) of Williamsburg, Va., Gary (and wife Sue) of San Jose, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife Vera died in 1995.
Services were pending Monday.
