Don Tiffany Cromer

Don Cromer, 92, passed away November 11, 2015. He was known for his scientific research in chemistry and physics for 38 years at Los Alamos National Laboratories, and was recorded as the most sited research scientist in physics in the 1950s and 60s. He was the recipient of the E.O. Lawrence Award for his meritorious contribution in nuclear chemistry, presented by President Nixon at the White House in 1969.
His lifelong interests included his music, playing trombone in big band groups, tennis until age 86, and tournament Bridge until 92. While widely published in physics and chemistry, his proudest publication was an article on Martinis. Don became an expert on the subject, traveling the world comparing martini costs everywhere he went. A world traveler, Don visited five continents, traveling with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. Thanks to his wife of 56 years, Marjorie Cromer, Don was an Audubon supporter for numerous years. His passion for tennis took him to Wimbledon many times, but he wasn't sure if he kept attending for the tennis or for the champagne and strawberries.
Don was a beloved father of five, grandfather of four, and great grandfather of two, but the true love of his life was his wife Marjorie Cromer.
Although he enjoyed all family outings and gatherings, family dinners were a special occasion for him. A self-taught gourmet chef, he enjoyed cooking elaborate and decadent meals for the entire Cromer family. Aside from cooking, he provided his family with unforgettable worldly experiences, organizing family trips to Paris, the Caribbean, Lake Powell and even Africa. With Marjorie, a lifelong bird watcher, he calculated the value of each adventure by the number of new birds Marjorie would see.
His wife Marjorie and his daughter Donna Cromer predeceased Don. He is survived by his children, Roy Cromer and spouse Colleen Cromer, Tom Cromer and spouse Chris Sharpe, Phil Cromer and spouse Ellen Cromer, and Anne Sommariva and spouse Bruno Sommariva. He leaves his grandchildren, Kate Cromer, Lindsey Angell and spouse Ryan Angell, Rachel Cromer Howard and spouse Leonard Howard, and Nicholas Sommariva, his great grandchildren, Olivia Kidd and Evelyn Angell, and many cherished friends, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at the Chapel in La Vida Llena; 10501 Lagrima de Oro, Albuquerque, 87111 on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. everyone is invited to this service. Interment will follow in the spring as a private family ceremony at Guaje Pines Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nature Conservancy in lieu of flowers.