Mr. William D. "Bill" Cronin

William D. "Bill" Cronin of Melrose died on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers at the age of 88. Born in 1924 in Melrose, he was the son of the late James & Mary (Berrett) Cronin and a lifelong resident of Melrose. He was a graduate of St. Mary's Grammar School and Melrose High School, class of 1943 where he played hockey and baseball. He enlisted and served our country proudly during WWII in the United States Navy and then received a degree from Middlebury College in Vermont in 1952; where he also played hockey. Mr. Cronin worked for Raytheon for 31 years. He enjoyed playing and watching hockey, the Bruins, Red Sox, golf & reading. He was a long time member of the Church of the Incarnation of Melrose and the Mt. Hood Golf Course in Melrose. William was the devoted husband of Elinor A. (Reponen) with whom they shared 49 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Elizabeth A. of Salem & Paul A. & his wife Megan of Nahant. Cherished grandfather of Elinor, Katherine & William. Caring brother of Margaret Kehoe of Melrose & the late Mary Lane, James, John & Robert Cronin. Brother-in-law of Dan Reponen of FL & Linda Morse & her husband Bill of CT. Also survived by many nieces, nephews & cousins. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thursday, July 26th at 9AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Incarnation 429 Upham St. Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. For directions or to sign the guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com