Thomas E. Cronin

Thomas Eugene Cronin died peacefully Tuesday, August 12 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Massachusetts. He was 67 years old.

Tom was born in Boston on March 8, 1958, son of the late John and Hazel (Brumbach) Cronin and graduated from Waltham High School. He was a lifelong mechanical wiz, and following in the footsteps of his Uncles Dennis and Francis Cronin, became a master plumber shortly after graduating from Waltham High School. He began his plumbing career in Waltham working with his cousin Dennis Cronin III and demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the most complicated of installations.

Tom subsequently developed a love of flying and became a proficient pilot following the examples of his uncle, Commander Lawrence Brumbach, and cousin John Young. He moved to Daytona Beach, Florida to study at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, from which in 1996 he obtained his BS in Aeronautical Engineering.

The bulk of Tom’s aviation career was spent at Gulfstream Aerospace where he gained a reputation for communicating his comprehensive knowledge of the company’s state-of-the-art jets. As his career progressed, he held positions in Savannah, in Las Vegas, and finally in Brunswick, Georgia. His engaging personality and deep skill level led to solid relationships throughout the industry.

Tom was a kind and devoted friend who treasured old times and new. He maintained close relationships from childhood onward. He adored his cousins, nieces and nephews, and their growing families. He especially loved the big holidays when masses of Cronins and friends gathered.

Growing up near Lyman’s Pond in Waltham, as a boy Tom played a strong game of hockey from morning ‘til dark during many wintry sessions. He became a lifelong Bruins fan, and loved the Patriots, savoring plays of legendary past games as much as any current season.

He always loved the sea and became a capable sailor, enjoying the waters of Boston Harbor, Narragansett Bay and St. Augustine, Florida. He found great peace in just listening to the waves and observing the changing tides.

Tom was a music aficionado whose tastes ran from Roger Miller to the Who (always) to jazz, Beethoven, and Luciano Pavarotti. He remembered details of every concert he attended and could analyze playlists from decades ago.

He was a great storyteller, regaling us with tales of adventures back in the old neighborhood, of family parties and of cross-country camping trips. After his retirement in 2023 Tom finally had time to re-connect with friends and family and relished making new memories together.

He was the dear brother of Margaret C. Wilson (Stephen), of Shirley, (Ret.) Sergeant John E. Cronin, Jr. WPD (Joan), of Burlington, Anne L. Campbell (James), of Northborough and Jeanne E. Cronin of Waltham. He was particularly close to cousin Dr. John Young of Rockland.

He leaves a host of loving cousins, nieces and nephews and lifelong, dear friends.

Family and friends will honor and remember Toms’ life by gathering for an Evening Wake on Tuesday, August 19th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Joyce Funeral Home and again on Wednesday August 20th at 8:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will celebrated at 9:30.Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the John E. and Hazel L. Cronin Scholarship, c/o Waltham High School, 554 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Lahey Hospital in Burlington for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Tom in his final days.