William G. Cronan

William G. Cronan, 93, passed away on 08/01/25. Bill was born in Chicopee, MA, on 01/22/1932, the youngest of five children born to Mildred (LaCourt) & Joseph Cronan. He is predeceased by his siblings, Joseph, Lorraine, Irene and June.

Bill was an ironworker by trade, belonging to Ironworkers Local 357 of Springfield from 1954 until his retirement in 1989. He loved anything with a motor; he owned racecar #22, which was on the track at Riverside Raceway every weekend. He rode snowmobiles during the winter months and even in his 90's you could catch him riding his Harley when the weather warmed.

While working on an out-of-state job in 1968, he met the love of his life, Arlyn (Sookie) Wheeler. In 1973, they married with their best friends Pat and Moe Boyer of Westfield by their side. They lived a happy and fulfilling life until Arlyn's death in 2004.

Bill is survived by his daughter Tracy Cronan Albano and his four bonus children, Sheila Mead of Southwick, Donald Cronan and his wife Robyn of Granville, Cathy Leary along with her husband Dan of Southwick, and Anita Newman and her husband Ed of Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

"Pop" also leaves his granddaughter Jennifer Albano of Grants Pass, OR and his grandson Thomas Albano and his wife Joscelyn of Westfield. In addition, he leaves 13 bonus grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren & 7 great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the New Southwick Cemetery on College Highway , Southwick, Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 10:00AM; with a celebration of life ceremony immediately following at the American Legion Post # 338 , 46 Powder Mill Road, in Southwick.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the MSPCA at mspca.org. Bill had a great love for his dogs, especially Willie. Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick is entrusted with final arrangements. www.forastiere.com