Thomas Patrick "Lil" Cronin

1961 - 2022

Thomas Patrick Cronin ("Lil") was born on May 2, 1961 to Lillian Martin Cronin and Charles Joseph Cronin in Cornwall, NY. He lived in Highland Falls, NY until his parents divorced and he moved with his siblings and father to Michigan. Tom's father married Janet Lancaster Nichols in 1968 who had two children and brought the family size to eight. They purchased a 20-acre farm and began their country life. Tom was active in 4H where his prize steers received blue ribbons. His favorite show animals were his chickens! Tom knew where they hid eggs in the hay bales and watched over them as if he were the mother hen. It was common to see Tom crawling in the grass with all the chicks happily following behind. Tom loved the kitchen and was Janet's little shadow when cooking and baking. During his sophomore year in high school, Tom departed the family farm for the New York City area, graduating from James O'Neill High School in Highland Falls, NY in 1979. After graduation and while working at a fine dining establishment as a bartender, he was asked to fill in for the night as host. A food critic arrived and was seated by Tom. The subsequent review spoke in glowing detail of the food and ambiance and gave special mention to the "surly, cold, and impersonal" host. Thus, our first embodiment of Lil. After a few years in NYC, the sights and smells of New Orleans pulled Lil southward where he quickly became a French Quarter institution. He had his own brand of customer service delivered across countless bar tops including The Mint, Bourbon Pub, Voodoo Lounge, Ninth Circle, 700 Club, Betty's, and finally American Townhouse. The phrase "never judge a book by its cover" was never truer than with Lil. If your response to his gravelly "Whadd'ya want?" was "the shirt off his back", you could be assured that he would shoot over a quick look of contempt as he swiftly offered his blouse. Once you cracked the snarly veneer that he proudly projected, Lil was a true friend and kind soul. Beyond being a legend behind the bar, his legacy in the French Quarter will be his friendship and service to the community. Lil was an advocate for HIV / AIDS outreach over his 40 years in the Quarter, including his service to Project Lazarus, LAZFEST and Buzzy's Boys and Girls - organizations that provided care, compassion, and support services for those living with HIV / AIDS. His love for animals was expressed through his support of numerous animal rescues and charities. Tom leaves behind his mother Jan Cronin, siblings Barb Ryan (Ken), Toni Nichols, Joe Cronin (Jeannie), Tony Adolino (Kimberly), sister-in-law Ann Nichols (Rob), Suzanne Levine (Chad), many nieces and nephews, an adopted French Quarter family of hundreds, and his beloved cat Gladys. He was heartily loved by all his family and friends. Tom was predeceased by his father Charles J. Cronin, mother Lillian Adolino, and brothers Rob Nichols and Edward Cronin. A celebration of life will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church (1130 N. Rampart) on Saturday, August 20 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a second line to the repast at American Townhouse (1012 N. Rampart).