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Reverend James Cronin Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Reverend James Cronin
Deacon Richard M. Flenke, Sr.
May 27, 2024
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Fr. Jim Cronin. I was a newly ordained and young permanent deacon, serving at St. Patrick Church in Thompsonville, Ct when he served there with our pastor Fr. Bob St. Martin. Together, they brought that church to life. Fr. Cronin was a terrific liturgist. He was always such a kind man, and I will always remember serving with him.
Joe Blanchette Springdale, AR
March 27, 2024
Pat Clohessy
May 2, 2022
Fr. Cronin,
I gentle giant of man was Jim. The photo of you which Lisa Vegliante sent me following your death sits on the mantle over my wood stove. Your memory and words of wisdom sound louder each passing day. I quote " pat I got a degree in psychology from Yale, but really it's a load of psychobabble".
Yes, Jim, the world is gone mad from Common Sense, becoming very uncommon. I hope your hovering over Ukraine, and Putin.
You are not forgotten coming up to a decade of your passing on the 5th May
PAT CLOHESSY
May 1, 2020
The photo of Fr. Jim Cronin, which my great friend and neighbour Lisa Vegliante sent me upon the passing of this gentle giant of man, full of fun, and saying good things always, sits on my mantle piece to remind me of the fact that there are a lot more good people in the world than bad. Jim Cronin photo is with Florence and Poppy, Dolly and Pete, Lisa and Gina, all those other great people who partied with Jim at the Church and on Linden St. No doubt he is one of our guardian angels during this time of Covid 19 crisis up there in his Heavenly REWARD.
Lisa Vegliante
May 1, 2019
It is hard to believe 7 years have passed. We all have special memories that we hold close to our hearts.
I look back on one in particular when Father was at St Joseph. We were in the midst of a snow storm close to a blizzard. I heard the piano playing, much laughter and singing downstairs. I couldn't imagine what could be going on in a near blizzard. When I went down to check lo and behold there sat my Grandmother playing the piano and Bridget and Father singing along. They were having a grand old time. Father had walked Bridget down the 4 blocks from the rectory. That is how I will always remember him. Full of life, living each moment to the fullest with that certain twinkle in his eye. He has gone to God but will never be forgotten.
October 4, 2012
I had the pleasure of Fr. Jim Cronin's friendship during our days at Catholic University. We were ordained the very same day: Jim at Hartford, I at Erie. His kindness and smile will be truly missed among you all. He is in my prayers. May we meet merrily in Heaven. Msgr. Wm. Biebel, Erie, PA.
June 14, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Fr Jimmy (RIP) both in the US and in Ireland which he visited with his mom one time. I remember we were on our way to Rossbeigh and we bumped into you and your mom on the way outside the Red Fox- what a trill it was and a lovely memory. We all miss you very much- your cousin Noirin Hickson & family, Ireland - daughter of Anne O Neill (nee Cronin)
Gerard Huber
June 4, 2012
May Father Cronin Rest in Peace with the reward of Heaven he richly deserves. My wife Florence and I had the privelege of knowing Father Cronin while he was a pastor at Saint Peter and Paul Parish in Waterbury, CT.
Gerard Huber
June 2, 2012
Father Cronin was our pastor and school principal at St Peter and Paul's in Waterbury, Ct. My husband and I had the pleasure of a "precana" talk with him before our marriage - a conversation we always recall fondly. Years later as my father was dying in Yale N.H. hospital our family was greatly comforted by Father Cronin's presence. He was the consummate priest and a reason why we cling to our Catholic faith. Rest in peace.
Joan McElligott McGrath, Sturbridge, Ma.
Nancy O'Neill-Waldron
May 23, 2012
Thank you Fr.Jimmy for all the beautiful memories you gave to us on your visits to Ireland, especially the the trip you made when you climbed Carrantoohil with my sister Mary, cousin John and I. You will be sadly missed. May you test in peace.
your cousin, Nancy.
Suzanne T.
May 18, 2012
Years ago, at St. Joseph's Church, Fr. Cronin taught me so much, but especially what it meant to "enter the Triduum" and then truly celebrate the Risen Lord at the Easter Vigil. Back then, he was fond of calling himself "JC." I have never known a pastor like him - shepherd in every way. May he rest in peace.
Medford Family
May 17, 2012
We offer our sincere sympathy to the family of Father Cronin. He was a wonderful priest and Pastor, kind, caring, witty, wise. God has taken him home too soon.
Paul Fitzgerald
May 14, 2012
He enriched and made a positive difference in the lives of all those he encountered.
An outstanding scholar and gentleman.
Rest in Peace Father.
May 14, 2012
I have known Fr. Cronin since I was a student at Sacred Heart in the early 60's. Later, I taught with him as Sacred Heart, with Fr. Blanchfield as the Principal. The last time I talked with Fr. Cronin was when he said the mass at the time of Fr. Blanchfield's death.
Fr. Cronin was a wonderful priest with a magnificent smile that, I'm sure, radiated from his big Irish heart.
My wife Patti and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Cronin family. He was a "true priest" and I'm sure he is up there smiling as we speak.
Sincerely,
Jim Dillon
Moira O'Connor
May 13, 2012
My deepest sympathy for the family of Fr. Cronin.. it is with a heavy and thankful heart I write this day. I feel as if we lost one of our own..Fr. Cronin has meant so many different things to me, as a child he was the "cool" priest I saw every other Sunday when Dad took us to St. Pete's. Fr Cronin would give noogies to me as a 7 year old always prompting a smile..as a teen in crisis the memory of those noogies led me to seek out Fr. Cronin and as always he had an ear and a hug-- as a young woman struggling to stay sober, I sought him out once again and with his aid I discovered the faith needed to sustain recovery and life...Always there with a kind word and a huge smile, a joke, or a tissue. 20years after my sister graduated from SHHS in waterbury Fr. Cronin travelled to Vermont to perform my her wedding..(bringing along her S.H.H.S yearbook to show the family during the ceremony, prompting laughs and greater fondness for him if that was possible).. and two years ago he returned to S.S. Peter and Paul for my father's funeral mass. Over the length of my short 44 years he has been a pillar of faith, humor, and humanness I will not ever forget. I know i am one among so many he touched with his generosity and kindness.. So sad I am to hear of his passing and so grateful I am to have his words, smile, and love in my heart. Cheers Fr Jim.. with much love and gratitude.
Dorsey Family
May 11, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Cronin family. Fr. Cronin (Jimmy the One) was a unique pastor. Very strong minded but a wonderful priest. His stance on unborn was wonderful. He will be missed by everyone who he came in contact with. May he rest in peace.
Dorothy Schreiner
May 9, 2012
My prayers and sympathies go out to the family and friends of Fr. Cronin, as well as, our St. Mary's Parish family. He will be greatly missed.
I will always remember Fr. Cronin coming to the hospital in the middle of the night, to pray over my mother when she had a serious fall, and we didn't know if she would make it. His prayer and presence alone, comforted my family. Also, in happy times when he Christened my daughter, and said the water would not wake my sound sleeper!! I will cherish these memories forever and know he is watching over us.
Fr. Cronin, may you rest in everlasting peace!!
Fondly,
The Schreiner Family
The Sanchez Family
May 9, 2012
Our deepest condolences to The Cronin Family. May you be blessed with peace in your hearts to endure this difficult stage in your lives. Rest in peace Father Cronin.
Many blessings,
Jeanmarie D'Azzo
May 9, 2012
Jim Cronin was not simply a'Priest's priest', with his intellect, independant spirit; tremendous courage to walk the Path, Speak the Truth, and always offer his hand to the troubled.
His actions and deeds spoke volumes regarding those that he loved..Family, and he loved serving God:as His priest.
Winds blow from the East and the West, Sail on Spirit: may we continue his works . Until we meet again 'May God hold you in the palm of His hand' which is of course, an Irish Blessing.
Sail on, dear James.
Bob & Nancy Wallin
May 9, 2012
Fr Cronin defined "priest" to everyone who knew him. He was caring, loving, sympathic, Godly, and understanding of the everyday problems we all face. He was a good listener and helped people, quietly, in so many ways. So many fond memories will stay with us and keep his memory alive. He was loved by all who were blessed to have known him. Our sympathies to his family. You are in our prayers.
patrick Clohessy
May 9, 2012
Father Jim Cronin is one of those special human persons who touch so many peoples lives by their wonderful actions of being a special friend. Father Jim Cronin was one of those who not only spoke Gods truths, but put his "back into making the greatest effort possible on this earth" to demonstrate by his good deeds, what it means to be a Catholic Christian. It goes without saying that my family will always remember the kindness of Father Jim Cronin and St. Josephs parish in our greatest hour of need at the time of the death of our beloved son Brendan.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to all of the extended Cronin family, and especially to Joan and family whom Jim made a special part of the parish life on so many occassions.
God Bless to all in Connecticut,
Patrick Clohessy
Maureen Lawless
May 8, 2012
Deepest sympathy to the Cronin family. Fr. Cronin was an inspiration to many and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. May he rest in peace in paradise. He will be sorely missed.
MaryEllen and Mike Magura
May 8, 2012
We shared wonderful times, J.C. We loved you, and enjoyed our years together at St. Mary's. You will be missed.
Michelle Reignier
May 8, 2012
Many fond and happy memories of Fr. Cronin. His quick wit and intelligence were the hallmark of his great personality and contributed greatly to our growth and wellbeing at Sacred Heart High School.
May 8, 2012
To the Cronin Family,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Father Cronin. We were neighbors on Tyler St.in Bloomfield for many years. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Zaharevitz
Deborah Neubert
May 8, 2012
We are so sad to learn of Father Cronin's death. He was the most thoughtful, caring, fun and wonderful priest I have ever known. He married me and married my sister, baptized our children and performed our father's funeral mass. We followed him throughout his parish travels throughout our lives and his. He was a good friend and a very fun person to be around, with a good sense of humor as well as a serious and philosophical side. I truly hope he has a wonderful afterlife because he spoke so eloquently of it! My condolences go out to his entire family- he was a credit to the Catholic Church and, and, as one of my friends said, knowing him made you proud to be a Catholic. Sincerely, Deborah Monteith Neubert and all of the Monteith family.
May 8, 2012
"Nothing speaks louder or more powerful than a life of integrity". Father Cronin was a teacher, mentor and friend to me and my family in times of sadness and joy. A true gentleman with a kind heart. Set your sails and may the wind bring you swiftly to heaven's port. -Mary Kelly Hensley(PSL, Fl.)
Lisa Vegliante & Family
May 8, 2012
Dear Joan and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We have so many wonderful memories of Father with your Mom singing around the piano as my Grandmother played, our parish picnics, the January Blues Bash and his favorite chicken dance. He will be remembered each day in the chiming of the carillon ringing the Angelus, in the flowers blooming around the church, in the Christmas lights in the steeple and in the sunsets when we gaze out on the ocean and see a sailboat on the horizon. Father was a beloved friend who meant so much to so many.
When he left our parish he wrote the following to the parishoners ''Yet it is still a goodbye.To that difficult task we as Christian people,bring a unique dimension. When we proclaim Christ risen from the dead,we proclaim that life is a gift without end. And thus we can state that although our paths will and must separate,all those paths will ultimately come together. Those paths will converge in the home of God where we will be with one another forever. It is in that faith that for us as Christian people, any and all goodbyes are just for a short period of time." Until we meet again Father, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Roxann Riskin
May 8, 2012
Father Cronin reminded us so eloquently at every Easter Mass that life is everlasting and his Easter message is a reflection now and reminds me to always remember this message as we will meet again someday. Until that time, I am full of your inspirational and educational teachings. Being the best teacher on earth possible for my children Robert and Ross at St. Mary School; My thoughts to my parish family at Saint Mary's and the Alumi and teachers and Principal at St. Mary School, past and present students at the Saint Mary School who knew and loved you, we sorely miss you and know God has taken you to one Super Place for one Super Man. The Best Priest and true friend one could ever know!
M. John Arens
May 8, 2012
May 8,2012
Jim was a superlative priest, a fine gentleman, and a good friend. It was a privilege to serve with him, and a blessing to know him. Sail away, sail away, dear friend, and remember us as you stand with God.
Lori Feller
May 8, 2012
Father Cronin meant a lot to our family through our years at St. Mary's Church. He is in our thoughts and prayers as are his family.
the Feller Family.
Linda Creedon
May 8, 2012
We have lost a beloved spiritual advisor, pastor and friend. Whether working on a St. Mary Home School Association fundraiser, designing the ceiling of the Sanctuary, or being our favorite guest at family functions, JC as we lovingly called him brought a smile a wink and a good story. In times of crisis he was there for us and would come to our need no matter where he was. We will miss him terribly.
May 8, 2012
I remember Father Cronin from the old days at S.S.Peter & Paul Church in Waterbury. What I liked most about him was his humor and common sense. Besides that he gave me an "A" in Religion Class my senior year at Sacred Heart HS. I will always remember him with fondness. Namaste ~ the light in me acknowledges the light in you ~ therefore we are one.
Catherine Katz
May 8, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We missed you when you retired you will live in our hearts forever
The Haley Family
May 8, 2012
Condolences to Father Cronin's family.
He was a wonderful Pastor and a wonderful person.
We will miss him.
The Pedersens
George Officer
May 8, 2012
Fr. Cronin was a great person who guided many of us through life in good times and was always there in your time of need. it is with heartfelt sorrow to hear of this great mans passing.
My and my family condolences go out to Father Cronin's family he wil be truly missed but now shares a special place with many of my family and great friends. May you rest in peace Fr. and may eternal light shine upon you.
Sincerely,
George J. Officer
Dave O'Leary
May 8, 2012
My family was very close to Fr Cronin when he served at St Peter and Paul in Waterbury.When our Mom was dying of cancer 40 years ago, he would come most nights and sit and pray and then help with the dishes.
He later married my wife and I.
If there ever was a model priest, it was Father Cronin.He nows sits with the Father as it was always expected.
Dave O'Leary
Farmington,Ct
Varga Family
May 8, 2012
We all enjoyed having Father Cronin as our pastor. He was very young spirited and devoted. One of the St. Mary's dunk tank favorites at the annual carnival.
A Smith
May 8, 2012
Father Cronin was a magnificent priest with a brilliant intellect, an independent spirit, tremendous courage and a big heart. He was taken too soon from those he touched and who loved him. Requiescat in pace.
May 8, 2012
Father Cronin's life was truly dedicated to working and helping others, praying and striving to make it a better world. His homilies and humor lifted our spirits as we began the day at St. Mary's at 7.a.m. Mass. He will be lovingly remembered by The 7 a.m. Faithful
Margaret Banach
May 8, 2012
My sympathy and prayers for the family and friends of Fr. Cronin. I remember his passionate defense of the unborn and his profound respect for human life.
Thank you Fr. Cronin. May you rest in heavenly peace after your long, arduous efforts.
Margaret Banach
Karen Davis
May 8, 2012
May his soul rest in peace.
Dennis Skurjo
May 8, 2012
Father James, it was such a pleasure meeting you at St. Mary's Church since I moved into the area around 14 years ago; you have touched so many lives including mine and your work will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and extended family at St. Mary's Church in Milford Connecticut during the most difficult time of sorrow and loss. You were an amazing person being a devoted follower of Our Great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; you did a lot for our church and we will truly miss you. May you rest in peace Father James…
God Blessing's to All…
Michael Cronin
May 7, 2012
Fr. Cronin was a great pastor at St. Joseph's Church. He made that very quiet parish very lively. He performed the wedding ceremony for one of my sisters. In fact, he was a concelebrant for my father's funeral at St. Mary's Church in New Haven. I and many others will greatly miss him.
Joann Gradzik
May 7, 2012
Fr. Cronin was really a terrific priest. We loved him & he has a special place in our hearts. We were honored to have been his parishioners. May he rest in peace. With heartfelt sympathy love Jo-Ann , Walter, Walter jr & John Gradzik
Helen (Stamp) Miko
May 7, 2012
A truly wonderful man is now at God's right hand. He was our Pastor at St. Joseph's in New Haven, CT. I remember when my mother was in the end stages of cancer, and Fr. Cronin knew we were taking care of her round the clock-- he would jog by and come in and tell us to go to bed for a while, and he would stay with Mom and pray with her. He went well beyond what was to be expected of your parish priest. I also remember when my husband and I were taking the 'test' you have to take before getting married. We took it in his office. Matt was sitting at Father Cronin's desk when he was taking it-- when he finished, he took the top off of the Waterford Crystal Candy Dish, father had on his desk and started to munch the M&M's in there. I almost had a heart attack! LOL But, Father Cronin just thought it was funny! He will be truly missed.
R.A. & M.L. Sylvester
May 7, 2012
He was a fine and amiable neighbor.
Beverly Johnson
May 7, 2012
Condolences to Father Cronin's family.
He was a wonderful pastor, friend and human being. He will be deeply missed. Beverly and Gary Johnson and family
Kathleen Kassouf
May 7, 2012
Father you will be truly missed. You have touched the lives of so many people and your work will live on forever. Rest in peace and God Bless.
Randy Shults
May 7, 2012
Although not a parish member, I attended 7:00 am Mass at St Mary during my period of unemployment and after becoming re-employed. Fr. Cronin's powerful voice and precise use of inflection clearly drove home the Gospel message. What a truly devoted follower of Jesus. He was missed from the first day of his far-too-short retirement and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he changed.
Jodie Sargent
May 7, 2012
Pope Jimmy the 1st was a wonderful pastor. He will be missed but I suspect he is now enjoying theological and political debates with the cloud of witnesses and cheering us on!!
May 7, 2012
I remember Father Cronin as the young priest at St.Augustine's who baptized several of our children. He was a warm and gentle priest. Jane Bouvier, Hamden
Cheryl Thomson
May 7, 2012
He was the best friend any family could ever have.He was there whenever you needed him day or nite rain or shine.Always a source of comfort and love I don't know what we ever did to deserve him he was our gift from God.I will miss you with all my heart.Love Cheryl Thomson
Marilyn
May 7, 2012
Father Cronin will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful pastor, full of life and a friend to all. He was fun to be with.
Marilyn & Frank
May 7, 2012
God Bless Reverend Cronin for all his good work.
Dan & Paula
Bill Lauer
May 7, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow and great loss. Fr. Cronin was an amazing human being and a devoted follower of Jesus. He did a great deal for our family and the parish of St. Mary's, he will be truly missed.
The Lauer Family
Jean Angelo Bednarz
May 7, 2012
Fathr Cronin will be truly missed by all. We met up with him a few years back when my Aunt's funeral mass was at St. Mary's in Milford.We still talk about the times on Tyler Street when Father Cronin and his buddies hogged the ice skating pond from us girls when we were teenagers. Our condolences to all.
Jean Angelo Bednarz, Enfield, CT
May 7, 2012
Father Cronin was a perfect fit for our parish when he came to us. He was a dedicated professional and we will miss our "Jimmy the One" . Our deepest sympathy to his wonderful family.
Rose (Milford)
Taritha Middleton
May 7, 2012
Father Cronin presided at the funerals of both of my parents. He provided my brother and I a great deal of comfort at the most difficult times of our lives. Father Cronin was a gift from God. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Donna
May 7, 2012
My condolences to all of his family. He was a wonderful Pastor and had an impact on so many people. He will be missed.
walter davignon
May 7, 2012
Father Cronin is a very nice man and he has a great loud voice and our prayer will go out to his families member from Walter and Diana and Caroline D'Avignon
Jean Pelletier
May 7, 2012
My prayers are with the family, friends, parishioners, and members of the Archdiocese of Hartford as they grieve the loss of Fr. Cronin.
Shalom,
Fr. Jean Pelletier
Kristie McGonigle
May 7, 2012
What a dedicated and passionate man Father Cronin was. He was also a man who knew how to have fun as I remember him sitting in the dunk tank egging the kids on at the St. Mary School carnival year after year. He will be missed at our parish and no doubt by all who love him. He will be remembered for all of his good works, especially the development of our twinning with the parish in Marbial-Haiti.
Andrew Ancel
May 7, 2012
Father Cronin was truly a Gift from God four our Parish. He was a great spiritual leader and had a positive impact on lives of so many! May peace be with him always!
Andrew Ancel
May 7, 2012
Father Cronin was truly a Gift from God for our Parish. He was a great spiritual leader who made a positive impact on the lives of so many! The world is a better place because he was here! May peace be with him always!
Red and Joan Lawson
May 7, 2012
We will miss you terribly, and will never forget all the good times with family and friends and the Shananagans.Rest in peace, our friend. Red and Joan Lawson
Forever in our hearts!
Brooke Johnson-Torres and family
May 7, 2012
May God Bless the family and friends of Father Cronin. My prayers are with all of you during this time. Father Cronin has been my inspiration and my earth angel since I was 12 years old. I am now 30! I couldn't have made it through my life and such challening times without his love and support. I will always remember you in my heart. May God hold you tight in his arms for all of eternity. You have now transformed into my guardian angel. I am truly blessed for knowing such a wonderful man!
May 7, 2012
Prayers and condolences for the family with thoughts of all the music shared with Fr. Cronin at the 8:30 Masses and all the joys he lived to the fullest, will be with us always.
Blessings,
John and Ronnie Pendleton
May 7, 2012
You were missed when you retired, but greatly missed now that you have gone on to heaven. (Margaret Daniels)
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