John Read Cronin

Cronin, John Read
73, of Tempe passed away on June 30, 2010. Born in Marietta, Ohio, he grew up in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He graduated from The College of Wooster and earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Colorado, School of Medicine in Denver. John was a professor of biochemistry at Arizona State University from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. Shortly after joining ASU, he became interested in Exobiology, a then emerging field of research sponsored by NASA for the study of the organic materials in extraterrestrial environments. He decided to study meteorites, in particular the carbon containing carbonaceous chondrites, which are collected at the ASU Center for Meteorite Studies. Along with colleagues, he spearheaded pioneering research that resulted in the recognition and detailed characterization of many of these meteorites' organic compounds, shedding new light on the processes that preceded the origins of life. These findings were published in scientific journals such as Science and Nature, and John was often invited to present them at conferences around the world. After retiring, John led a very active and fulfilling life, traveling, biking, woodworking, golfing, and attending Diamondback games. Most especially, he loved spending time with family and friends who will miss him greatly. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Muriel, a son Paul Cronin of Denver, a daughter Martha Cronin and her husband George Hall of Wellesley, Massachusetts, a daughter Sarah Salinas and her husband Ray Salinas of Tempe, and two step grand children Eleanor and Charles Hall. Private interment services will be held in Denver, Colorado, and a party to celebrate his life is being planned for late October.