Rev. Francis C. Cronin

CRONIN, Reverend Francis C. "Frank" A retired priest and a member of the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Steubenville, OH, formerly of Dover, died at his Shadyside, OH home, Sunday, August 2, 2009, after a short illness, he was 78 years old. Fr. Cronin was born June 17, 1931, in Dover, a son of the late Jeremiah and Delia Fahey Cronin. He attended Maryknoll Seminary in Lakewood, N.J., Maryknoll Seminary in New York and St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Md. He was ordained by Bishop John King Mussio on May 21, 1958 in Holy Name Cathedral. Father Cronin's first assignment was assistant at St. Mary Church and principal of St. Mary Central High School in Marietta. He served as deanery director of Catholic Youth Organization of Assumption Deanery, principal at Seten Catholic Central High School in Lafferty, director of the Catholic Student Center in Athens, assistant and later pastor at St. Paul, Athens, administrator of Christ the King Parish in Athens, St. Henry, Harriettsville and St. Joseph, Burkhart. He served on a variety of committees throughout his priesthood, including the committee of Research for Federal Benefits, Steubenville Register Advisory and Control Board, Diocesan Ecumenical Commission and as a synodal examiner. Father Cronin loved teaching. He received his Doctorate Degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a tenured English professor at Ohio University in Athens from 1966 until August of 2000 when he returned again to active ministry for the Diocese of Steubenville as pastor of St. Mary Parish in Shadyside and at St. John Vianney Parish in Powhatan Point. He served these two parishes until October 2007 when he retired. A sister, Ann Latosek, preceded him in death, in addition to his parents. Surviving are a brother, Paul Cronin of Rectortown, Va., and a sister, Mary (Albert) Calello of Dover, and many nieces and nephews. A Before Burial Mass will be held Wednesday, August 12, at Most Precious Blood Church, Dover, at 9 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery Dover. George F. Doherty & Sons Needham 781-444-0687