Community Corner

VIDEO: 85-Foot Christmas Tree a Special Tradition

Bloomingdale resident remembers late wife with giant lit tree in his front yard.

No need to go to Rockefeller Center to see a really big pine tree lit up with Christmas lights. resident and Member Tom Kroncke has one even bigger in his front yard on Walter Drive.

Kroncke's 85-foot tree is nearly 10 feet taller than the well-known New York City tree and holds a much more personal meaning to him and his neighbors. The tree is named "Sally K" in honor of Kroncke's wife who died of cancer a few years ago. In honor of Sally, who first lit the tree up as a surprise for him nine years ago, Kroncke leaves the tree lit ever year from Dec. 1 through Jan. 13, which was Sally's birthday.

This year, Kroncke installed 1,500 LED lights on the tree.

Find out what's happening in Tri-Borowith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here