GEORGE F. CRONIN Jr.

1937 - 2019

GEORGE F. CRONIN Jr. obituary, 1937-2019, West Roxbury, MA

FUNERAL HOME

William J. Gormley Funeral Home

2055 Centre Street

West Roxbury, Massachusetts

GEORGE CRONIN Obituary

CRONIN, George F. Jr. Age 81, of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2019, surrounded by family. He was born to parents George and Helen Cronin of West Roxbury in 1937. He attended Boston College High School, the University of Notre Dame, received a Master's degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University, and a law degree from Boston University School of Law. He was chosen "most reliable" by his undergraduate class at Notre Dame and was elected president of his law school class. George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Louise (Rando) and his four children: George F. Cronin, and his wife Leigh, daughters Maribeth Fitzgerald and husband Edward, Kerry Cronin and husband Dr. Elliott Martin, and Andrea and Sean Flaherty. In addition, George leaves his loving grandchildren: Teddy, Patrick, Harrison, Emily, Mary Louise, Elizabeth and Audrey, all of West Roxbury. George is also survived by his sister, Patricia (Cronin) Collins, niece Lynne and her family. In addition to his love of family, George was devoted to public service and helping others. He practiced law for decades, serving as a strong advocate for those who needed a voice in the pursuit of justice. George also spent many years serving in various capacities in state government. In 1963, he began a long and rewarding career at the State House, working for Governor Endicott Peabody. In 1964, George was elected to the Governor's Council, motivated by his belief in the role that government plays in assisting the disadvantaged. He served with distinction until 1982, when he resigned his seat to become the Governor's Council's Administrative Secretary, a position that he held and was deeply committed to until his death. George's creative spirit led to his life-long passion as a collector of books and art. He made many close friends while traveling throughout New England to collectors' shows. George loved to surprise his friends, children, and grandchildren with his latest discoveries. Funeral from the William J. Gormley Funeral Home 2055 Centre St., WEST ROXBURY, Wednesday, July 24th at 9am. followed by a Funeral Mass in Holy Name Church at 10 o'clock. Visiting Hours Tuesday 5-8 pm. Relatives and friends invited. For directions and guestbook www.gormleyfuneral.com William J. Gormley Funeral Service 617-323-8600

Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 20 to Jul. 22, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE CRONIN

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Alex T. Creese

Friend

April 6, 2022

One of my fondest college memories was serving with George Cronin in the Executive Council's Office (2013/14). George was possessed of both the warmest of hearts - and the most cunning of political minds. He made me [..."our intern from San Francisco"] feel right at home. I'll miss the comics, postcards and stories that we traded over the years. ...Here are a few gems.

Alex T. Creese

Friend

April 6, 2022

George left too soon! He had more inside political dope to share. And, he was a great guy to boot.

Joe Ureneck

Friend

July 14, 2020

I met George many years ago when I had moved to Boston from Saudi Arabia to study. Our first encounter was when he interviewed me as an intern in the Governor's Executive Council. George was very welcoming and kind. George became my mentor, and also a dear friend. He inspired me in many ways. I will always remember his kindness and generosity. I eventually graduated from Boston, and moved on to Georgetown Law. I am now an international lawyer. I owe it all to one of the greatest men I have ever come across. May your soul rest in peace.

Khalid Kamal

Friend

September 12, 2019

I will remember George from first introduction by my son Elliott Jr. and Kerry who soon became my Daughter-in-law. I immediately felt part of the family.

We shared wonderful stories from our children, Books, and travel and his love for Post Cards.
He soon introduced my husband Elliott, Sr. to Post Cards and I would love to hear about Georges Kindness and Brilliant mind when they came home from fun days at Fairs collecting post cards and Books.

I have Post Cards from Italy, New York (My Families Roots), Universities my children attended places we traveled and Cape Cod where I now live.

I have Framed most of The Post Cards so Special to me and will Give Audrey my Granddaughter whos Georges youngest Granddaughter born to Kerry Georges 2nd daughter and my son Elliott Jr. nine months after My Husband passed away.

My Deepest Sympathy to Marylou and Family.

Lucille Martin

Lucille Martin

August 2, 2019

See ya Dad. Love, Maribeth

Maribeth Fitzgerald

July 30, 2019

I had the privilege of serving on the Governor's Council from 1986 to 1984.

When I first joined the council, I had the good fortune of being taken under the wings of Ed O'Brien, the councilor from Easthampton and George Cronin, the council's Administrative Assistant.

They both educated me on the ways of Beacon Hill and the Governor's office,
and although their methods of "instruction" were quite different, the positive impact they had on me was immeasurable.

When I decided not to seek reelection in 1994, I knew that what I would miss most about the position was not being in the company of Ed and George on a weekly basis.

To say that George was a gentle sole certainly goes without question, but a good deal of the time I spent with George involved discussing his diverse interests other than politics, such as famous Boston artists, the treasures of the Boston Anthenaeum, or the guys from the North End who pulled off the Brinks job and stayed in the neighborhood immediately thereafter.

I truly believe that I was a better public servant and better man because of the 8 years I spent with George.

I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife and his entire family.

Jimmy O'Brien, Worcester

Jimmy OBrien

July 30, 2019

Rest easy George Cronin. He was the most gentle, thoughtful, knowledgeable of public officials. Generous in sharing careful advice with a rookie State House reporter in the early 1980's. As Luke noted, George was a walking encyclopedia and kindly guide to Massachusetts political history.

Charles McDonald

July 24, 2019

I met George during a construction project at the State House in the late 80's. Although there was work that impacted his space, he never changed his quiet kind manner, and assisted in whatever way he could. Then I stopped by' for 5 or 6 years, until an opening for a Justice of the Peace became available. I don't know who was more excited about that opening! George was a gentleman, and it was my privilege to know him.

Cheryl Anne Morrissey

July 24, 2019

George was a fine public servant, a teller of great stories, and a gentle soul. I will miss him.

Colman Herman

July 24, 2019

Rest in Peace. I am staring at the antique postcard of the State House that you gave me, dated 1908. Thank you for your kindness.

Craig Lundberg

July 24, 2019

It is with great sadness and with much respect that I announce Governor's Councillor Administrator George Cronin has passed on. He was a very serious and dedicated individual. He worked at our state house in an administrative capacity since 1963. He will be missed by many.

Oliver Cipollini

Coworker

July 23, 2019

It is with great sadness and with much respect that I acknowledge Governor's Councillor Administrator George Cronin has passed on. He was a very serious and dedicated individual. He worked at an administrative capacity at our state house since 1963. He will be missed by many.

Oliver Cipollini

July 23, 2019

A kind, caring and gentle man.

WFM

July 23, 2019

Such a wonderful man. He always suggested ways to sharpen my test taking skills when I was about to take the examination for acceptance to Boston Latin School back in '69-70'. George was very genuine with his concerns about other people's challenges in life and just an extremely kind person overall. A good soul.

2nd cousin Tim Cronin (son of deceased Fred {Neil} Cronin.

July 23, 2019

May the God of all comfort strengthens the families and friends during this difficult time of deep sorrow.those who pass on,God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes.my sincere condolences to the families and friends. GP

July 23, 2019

a loved one

July 23, 2019

Oliver Cipollini

July 22, 2019

a loved one

July 22, 2019

George was a great guy. Enjoyed his sense of humor and his stories, when we talked about many things, including poitics. For the last few years
saw him regularly at shows and over postcards.
Will miss him.

Larry Feinberg

July 22, 2019

George was a great guy. We would talk about politics and many other things, have a good laugh
while dabbling in postcards at shows. I've had the pleasure of knowing him for the past number of years and will miss him.
Larry Feinberg

July 22, 2019

The State House will not be the same without him. His institutional knowledge was legendary. There was no one else like him. Peter Lucas

Peter Lucas

July 22, 2019

Aimee Gilroy

July 22, 2019

George was a fine public servant, a great story teller, and a gentle soul. I will miss him greatly.

Colman Herman

July 22, 2019

George was a great guy. He'll be missed.

Joe Ureneck

July 22, 2019

My condolences to George's family. When my mother worked for him in the late 80's/ early 90's she would tell me about how he helped her make the right decisions concerning a multitude of things. And upon my mother's (Jacquie) passing in Sept 1993, he stepped up and helped me resolve her will & very small estate. I live in Delaware & did not know all the ins & outs of Mass law. I went by the State House and got to finally meet him. We spoke about my mom and he was such a sweet caring man. I can see why my mom liked him. I will always remember him for his kind heart and beautiful spirit. He will live on always as long as you carry him in your heart and share all the goodness he has passed on.

Michèle Cooke

July 22, 2019

My thoughts & prayers are with George's family during this difficult time.
I saw George each week delivering letters to his office - very witty and encouraging man - always had an interesting tale to tell - he will be greatly missed.

Sharon Chosse

Sharon Chosse

July 22, 2019

We are sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Alden Family

Friend

July 22, 2019

Eric Alden

July 22, 2019

George and I discussed politics for many,many years. But, our shared experiences at Notre Dame was our real bond. I will be at Notre Dame next week and say a prayer for George at Rockne's grave. God,Country and Norte Dame.

Larry Overlan

July 22, 2019

Larry Overlan

July 22, 2019

I got to know George in 1967 when he ran for the Boston City Council (or School Committee, I can't remember which!). As part of a political science course, we were required to pick a candidate running for office in Boston in 1967 and work for the candidate, while writing up a paper about our experience. George was one of the best candidates that I ever worked for and became my early career mentor. I am so sorry to learn of his passing and will remember him in my prayers.

John Comerford

July 22, 2019

To George and family-deepest sympathies for your loss. I worked with George many years ago. He was an honorable public servant and a very nice man. May he rest in peace.

Lora Pellegrini

July 21, 2019

George and I discussed politics for many,many years. But, our shared experiences at Notre Dame was our real bond. I will be at Notre Dame next week and say a prayer for George at Rockne's grave. God,Country and Norte Dame.

July 21, 2019

George Cronin offered valuable assistance to me prior to my
Successful confirmation hearing for the bench in 1990. He was
A treasure trove of information on the workings of the Governors Council
And was always ready to be of assistance, May he Rest In Peace.

Paul F. Mahoney

July 21, 2019

To the Cronin Family:

Please accept my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Sullivan

Michael Sullivan

July 21, 2019

A wonderful and kind person. Gary Trey

July 20, 2019

Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results

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Memorial Events
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Jul

23

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

William J. Gormley Funeral Home

2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

Jul

24

Funeral

9:00 a.m.

William J. Gormley Funeral Home

2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

Jul

24

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Holy Name Church

MA

Funeral services provided by:

William J. Gormley Funeral Home

2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

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