William Manny Cronin

William 'Bill' Manny Cronin
January 23, 1940 – April 2, 2025
William 'Bill' Manny Cronin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life will be held at Busch Funeral Home in Parma on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Visitation will take place from 4 to 6pm, immediately followed by a service and reception.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Bill was the second of nine children born to Katherine Ann Manny and Richard Vincent Cronin. His family also later lived in Lakewood, North Canton, and Berea.
A man of great intelligence and curiosity, Bill skipped a grade in school and later graduated from St. Edward High School before earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Fenn College, now Cleveland State University. He was a Math Champion of MENSA International, and played pool in college, often saying that it helped him pay his way through classes.
Bill met Cathy Boich of Euclid on a blind date. They married on June 27, 1970, and spent their honeymoon exploring Germany, Austria, and Switzerland-a reflection of their shared love of travel. Together, they raised three children: Tom, David, and Julie. The family made their home in Middleburg Heights and later built a house in Strongsville, where countless memories were made.
Throughout his life, Bill wore many hats. He worked for decades as an Information Systems Manager for Ohio Bell, which later became AT&T, retiring in 2000 from IBM. In his younger years, he was a racing track Marshal at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, playing a role in keeping drivers and spectators safe during races. Bill's love of sports cars led him to become a member of the Sports Car Club of America. His British Racing Green MGB GT wasn't just a prized possession-it was a part of his early family's journey, even bringing his firstborn home from the hospital.
Bill had a deep appreciation for the arts and enjoyed dancing, music, and live performances. He and Cathy were longtime members of the American Turnverein Athletic Club of Cleveland, where they spent the early years of their marriage competing in traditional German dancing. Bill loved all kinds of music and was often found whistling or tapping along to the rhythms of Jazz, Classical, and Celtic tunes. He also enjoyed live theater and held season tickets at Cleveland's Playhouse Square.
A devoted and involved father, Bill was active in his children's activities, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, and Indian Princesses. He shared his love of the outdoors with his family by camping and visiting parks.
Bill's legacy of service continued into retirement, volunteering as a certified Docent with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, an usher at Severance Hall, and a driver for Southwest General Hospital patients.
Bill is remembered for his brilliant mind, generous and compassionate heart, and unwavering dedication to family. His love of learning, craftsmanship, adventure, and Irish roots lives on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his gentle, patient, and kind nature.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Cathy; his children Thomas (Julia) Cronin of North Royalton, David (Alison Yasick) Cronin of Berea, and Julie (Steve) Skaret of North Dakota; and three cherished grandchildren: William and Colin Cronin and Taylor Skaret. He also leaves behind two sisters, Kathleen (Gordon) Taylor and Anne Marie Cronin, and two brothers, Dan (Gayle) Cronin and Joe (Anne) Cronin, along with many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Thomas, Leo, James, and Richard.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of the Southwest Hospice Home in Strongsville.
In lieu of flower memorials may be made in Bill's name to the American Heart Association or Hospice Services of Southwest General
Family will receive friends at the BUSCH FUNERAL HOME, 7501 RIDGE ROAD, PARMA FROM 4:00 PM UNTIL THE TIME OF THE SERVICE AT 6:00 PM, SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025. Cremation by Busch Crematory.
440-842-7800 www.buschcares.com