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John Cronin Obituary
John grew up in River Forest, the son of Valla and John Cronin, graduated from St. Luke's elementary school and Fenwick High School, where he was on the swim team. He had a lifelong devotion to Fenwick and was extraordinarily close to a large and enduring group of friends from school. He went on to graduate from John Carroll University and Chicago-Kent College of Law. After graduating law school, he joined the Cook County State's attorney's office as a prosecutor, where many more lasting friendships developed. John joined his Uncle Tom's law firm in 1988 and helped grow it to the law firm Cronin, Peters and Cook, where he spent most of his professional career in the field of workers' compensation.
He met the love of his life, Bonny, through mutual friends and they married in May of 1978.
John was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling the world with Bonny, who was a United flight attendant. He worked to improve the Cook County legal system through committee positions at the Chicago Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Committee.
John, it seemed, knew everyone in Chicago, and everyone knew and admired him for his humor, great storytelling ability, easygoing nature, loyalty to friends and, in the grand Irish tradition, love of a good time.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Friday September 24th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 124 N. Spring Ave., La Grange. A livestream of the Mass will be available at https://www.facebook.com/SFXParish.LG/live/ In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood at your local facility. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Info: 708-352-6500 or HJFunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cronin
Cathy Dunlap
September 27, 2021
We are so sorry to learn of Jocko's passing. My husband Tom Rieck was a 26th st. prosecutor and I worked on Mr. Daley's staff so we knew him well. Recently Jocko was always friendly and supportive as I worked for Justice McBride's election effort. He was not just a good lawyer but a fun and good person. deepest condolences on your loss.
Elaine O´Brien
September 27, 2021
Omg, I was saddened to hear about Jocko´s passing. He was such a great guy. Bonnie, I´ll never forget watching the babies for you and Jocko so you can attend a wedding! God Bless you and your family during this difficult time!
Dan Cheely
September 27, 2021
To know Jocko, even a little bit, was to love him! What a wonderful legacy he has left! Reading all of the tributes here and elsewhere is inspiring in itself. The world is definitely a better place because Jocko passed through it. Wish there were millions more like him. Hope we can be a little more like him.
Joe Casciato
September 24, 2021
My condolences to Bonnie and the family. Jocko was so easy to respect and like. Heard bout his passing today. Fenwick '67
Frank DeBoni
September 23, 2021
My sincere condolences to Bonny and the entire Cronin family. John (Jocko) was a wonderful person and a dear friend, a friendship which began at Fenwick and continued through the SAO and the many years after. I am lucky to have had this friendship and the wonderful memories it provided. My thoughts and prayers, he will truly be missed.
Susan Moy
September 21, 2021
I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. Many memories I have are woven with John and family. God be with you all.
Joy Henderson
September 20, 2021
Bonny, Laura, and all,
I am so deeply sorry for your untimely loss of John. Though I never met him, I know he was a great husband and father. My sincere condolences. Joy H
Charlotte Messina Porter
September 20, 2021
To The Cronin Family,
I am sooo sorry to hear of the passing of John. I will be out of town or I would have attended the service. My condolences to all of you. May your great memories bring you comfort.
Barry Schauer
September 20, 2021
Bonny, Don, Walt, Bill, Dave, Stevie, Pete and entire Cronin family. Deepest condolences. Jocko was a truly nice guy. It was always a pleasure to see him because I knew there would be a smile, a very cordial hello and a hearty hand clasp, followed by laughter. Lots of laughter. He was one of a kind in a one of a kind family. He will be missed. A lot. Unfortunately I have to work Friday but my heart and thoughts will be with you all. So long, my friend.
Dan Hefner
September 20, 2021
John was an all around great guy, a great husband, a great father, a great sibling, a great friend, a great attorney, etc. He lead by example, which is why his
children have done so well. We will all miss Jocko,
however we will never forget him and when his name
is mentioned there will be a smile on our faces. RIP
Hef
Thomas N Smith
September 20, 2021
I am so very sorry to report that we are to attend a family memorial service at 10am Friday the 24th in St.Louis. Though we will miss his service, my family´s thoughts, prayers and memories will be with the Cronin family and all who join them at St.Francis in celebrating Jocko´s great life.
Paul W. Schumacher
September 20, 2021
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies. I practiced with John at the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission. He was a worthy opponent and a friend. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry O'Gara
September 20, 2021
Condolences to the Cronin family . Fellow prosecutor in 70's. John always had a ready smile and greeting over the years. We lost a good man.
Marty Farrell
September 20, 2021
I always enjoyed seeing John. He loved a good laugh and was fun to be around. My deepest sympathy to all the Cronin Family.
Paul Armstrong
September 20, 2021
To Bonnie and all the Cronins...my deepest condolences on the loss of Joco. He was a real friend
Paul Armstrong Fenwick 1967
Marisol Rodriguez-Nunez
September 20, 2021
I had the privilege to work as John´s assistant for only a short time, but he was always very pleasant to work for. He always made me feel valued and appreciated and was the most understanding. My deepest condolences to Bonnie and family. May God bless and carry you during this difficult time.
Tom Davy
September 19, 2021
Jocko and I were trial partners and carpoolers at Maybrook and 26th St. He was a very good lawyer, a great partner, but above all that, was just a fine and decent human being. My deepest sympathy to Bonny and family.
Terry Farrell
September 19, 2021
A truly great guy. The last time I was with him was in Belize with his brothers. It was a wonderful experience John had a very infectious laugh. Super guy!!
My condolences to his family
Karen Ketbis
September 19, 2021
I am so sorry. I really loved John, like everyone who knew him. I didn´t get to see him often, but when I did, it was as if no time had passed at all. John was a kind, funny and generous man, and he will never be forgotten.
To Bonny, and his family, I´m so so sorry.
Rosemary and Don Swanson
September 19, 2021
Bonny, we are so very sorry to hear of John´s passing. I know the weeks and months ahead will be very difficult, but I know your children and grandchildren will be a great comfort to you. I just happen to be donating blood Monday afternoon and will be thinking of you. Rosemary and Don Swanson
Pete Woods
September 19, 2021
My deepest condolences to the entire family. John was truly one of a kind.
Pete Woods
Fenwick 1967
Kate and Ernie DiBenedetto
September 19, 2021
Bonnie, Ernie and I are heartbroken at the passing of "Jocko".
We will never forget that wonderful smile. He always had a kind word for everyone, what a loss to all. Our prayers and love are with you and your family.
Kevin Rooney
September 19, 2021
Jocko, One is truly known by the range of family and friends. Yours is testimony to the individual you were. Even though we hadn't seen each other in years, you were among the best! God Bless & RIP. Go Friars!
Diane Dennen (Dempsey)
September 19, 2021
My sincere condolences, love and prayers for Jocko, Bonnie and entire family. RIP my friend. You will be missed by many.
Kathi Barrett (Bill Murphy's sister)
September 19, 2021
One of the kindest, most sincere men I've ever known. I'm in tears - I've lost a friend and the world has lost a great man.
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