Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1926
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Frank Kronoff Obituary
NORTHBOROUGH/SHREWSBURY - Frank G. Kronoff of Shrewsbury passed away peacefully July 12, 2014, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 87. Born and raised in Worcester, he was the son of Frank G. and Margaret S. (Ojerholm) Kronoff Sr. Frank lived many years in Northborough, which he considered his home. He is predeceased by his wife Claire (Doane) Kronoff and two daughters, Marcia Hendrix and Diane Kronoff. Frank leaves his daughter Janet Hamilton and her husband Ed of Shrewsbury, with whom he lived; grandchildren, Lisa Suprrier, Karen Bartolomei, Christine Johnson, James Hamilton, Amy Shanahan, and Deana Hamilton; 12 great-grandchildren.
A football standout at Classical H.S. in Worcester and then at Holy Cross, Frank was on the 1946 HC team that played in the Orange Bowl against Miami. After graduating from Holy Cross, and earning a teaching degree from Worcester State he began a career in education. His real love was coaching football which he did beginning in 1951, as an assistant at Clinton HS and then as head coach at Bartlett, Marlborough and Algonquin Regional high schools. He had undefeated seasons at Bartlett and Marlborough and guided Algonquin to two super bowl games. He was inducted into the Massachusetts H.S. Football Hall of Fame in 1981. His players remember a man who taught character and integrity as much as the game of football and he said, "As with all coaches, to hear about[former players'] lives from time to time as they made their way through the years has always been the only reward necessary for me in very enjoyable profession." Frank continued to substitute teach at Algonquin until 2010 and always enjoyed the students. He said few are lucky enough to have had a career doing something they truly love and I was one of the few. Frank was an avid golfer, enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren especially down at the Cape and was a loyal Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins fan.
At the family's request, there are no funeral services. Memorial contributions in Frank's memory may be made to Purple Promise Foundation, 2218 North Brevard St. P.O. Box 790033 Charlotte, N.C. 28206. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough is assisting the Kronoff family. To share a memory or to leave an online condolence, please visit: www.haysfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Kronoff
David Nelson
January 22, 2025
Coach k was thinking of you today. What a great life you lived. You saw so much and stayed humble. The elite in every way and ty for great memories.
David Nelson
November 10, 2024
Didn't know coach k passed. Algonquin 1997 grad and remember him. Coach k and Mr Walsh are Algonquin legends. Both strong but gentle. Ty coach k for my memories.
July 19, 2014
My prayers go out to the coaches family and all those that knew him. He was a wonderful person in all his roles; teacher, mentor, coach and friend. I played for coach Kronoff 47 years ago and still remember those times as a very special experience in my life. He will never be forgotten for all he did and was. God bless you coach, you will be missed.
Mark Rousseau MHS
July 17, 2014
Sincerest condolences to all members of Coach Kronoff's family from the Bartlett High School Hall of Fame Committee.
Coach Kronoff was at Bartlett High School from 1955 to 1958 and led the Bartlett Indians to their only undefeated football season in 1955.
Coach had a positive influence on so many lives that extended far beyond coaching football. It was more than just winning with him. He supported us whenever we called upon him after he left Bartlett at class reunions, Hall of Fame inductee banquets and fundraising activities.
We remember him with great affection and the deepest respect.
You will always be with us, Coach!
John Gogolinski
Bartlett High School Hall of Fame Committee member
Marty Hayes
July 17, 2014
To the entire Kronoff Family,
I was a player against him @ Westboro in the 70's, coached @ Westboro against him in the 80's enjoyed officiating his games after. Nothing but a true professional on and off the field, nothing but the greatest respect for him. Sorry for the loss of a true Central Mass Football Icon!
Matt Nickerson
July 17, 2014
Coach, I can still see you standing outside your room while changing classes.Arms folded and watching every move we made.That sparkle in your eye telling me how much you loved your job and the students. The best thing I remember about you was that all students were created equal Athlete or not. Thanks, for all the Memories..Matt
Susan Perry Clement
July 17, 2014
Coach Kronoff was always one of my favorite teachers.
Jim Blair
July 17, 2014
I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of Frank Kronff. I had the opportunity and pleasure to play for him in the mid 60's at Marlboro. To this day I have very good friends and great memories because of Coach Kronoff. Not only did he teach us the game of football, he taught us about life. The importance of effort, team work and being ready for life's tough tasks. He was a gentlemen, great coach and educator. Thanks for the memories Coach.
Ivar Henningson
July 16, 2014
I was so sad to hear of Mr. Kronoff's passing but am so appreciative to have known such a classy, wise and humble man. He genuinely cared about all the kids he coached and taught and we knew it and loved him for it. The respect and kindness that he showed us is something I try to emulate in my own work as a school counselor and a coach. I'm very glad to have gotten together to catch up and reminisce with him last Fall. Frank Kronoff was the absolute best. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Tony Bogardus ARHS '80
July 16, 2014
Mr. Kronoff almost single-handedly shepherded me to graduation when he was Assistant Principal at Algonquin, believing me to be a 'good kid who was making bad decisions.' I never forgot his kindness and fairness to me when many other, easier options were available to him. Godspeed and Rest In Peace, Frank.
Judy Grady
July 16, 2014
Rest in Peace. You were a sweet man and will be remembered by many.
Jim Gunning
July 16, 2014
Frank Kronoff impacted many young people over the years. He touched many people through sport, education and teaching us life-long lessons which we use in our lives every day. He was truly a mentor of mine and many of my peers & classmates @ ARHS. There aren't many left like Frank Kronoff.
Rest in Peace Coach...
Jim Gunning ARHS '75
Todd Pietrasiak
July 16, 2014
A true gentleman of the highest order whose lessons went well beyond the football field and still provide guidance to me decades later. "Silent Determination", "Be a gentleman on and off the field", "Win with class, lose with dignity", "Practice like you play". He guided our teams to two Superbowls at Algonquin, but what he taught on the practice field made the most impact. The world needs more men like him and he will be sincerely missed. - Todd Pietrasiak, Algonquin '88
Bill Farrell
July 16, 2014
To all the members of Frank Kronoff's family, I was extremely sorry when I read of Frank's death. I was a big fan of his when he played on the H.C. wartime Crusaders. It was Frank who could play both guard and tackle, on both sides of the line,holding the line together, and was a big reason Holy Cross played in the 1946 Orange Bowl game.
During these wartime years, H.C. played against various military service football teams, and many of these team's players were former college stars who were at times, five years older then Frank.
For years I have been "crusading" the Holy Cross Varsity Club to elect Frank into the Holy Cross Hall Football Hall of Fame, but to no avail. With Frank being born in Worcester, and a graduate of Classical High and Holy Cross, it sounds like the Varsity Club "is overlooking one of it's own."
As the would say in England, "Frank, to the Purple, was born."
Frank's credentials include that he was a favorite player of sport cartoonist Al Banx who featued Frank's football feats in his Sunday Telegram's cartoon of each Saturday's game, along with Vic Rimkus.When Frank was voted into the Massachusetts High School Football Hall of Fame, I would think that the H.C. Varsity Club would have gotten the Hint, and voted Frank into the H.C. Football Hall of Fame.
Thanks, Frank, for being a big part in helping Holy Cross football fans forget World War Two on those wartime Saturday afternoon at Fitton Field. Bill Farrell
Steve Gaucher
July 16, 2014
Frank is at the top of my list of wonderful people I was lucky to meet during my life.
Peggy Pomphrey
July 15, 2014
Coach-I'm glad we got to talk a few weeks ago at the hospital and I could let you know how MHS students felt about you. Enjoy being in a young body again and playing football in that stadium in the sky! My sympathies to your family. Know that he was respected and loved.
John Sellig
July 15, 2014
The coach was among the very best people I have ever had the pleasure of playing for at high school level. I played for his first undefeated football team in 1955. I never forgot him, or what he stood for throughout his life. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Barbara Graham Sullivan
July 15, 2014
Janet,
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
July 15, 2014
Mr Kronoff was an excellent example of what an educator should be and as principle he was always fair and there were times he let me off easier when others wouldn't have been so kind. Thank you and RIP
WRJ
July 15, 2014
Janet and family, Please know that you are in our thoughts. Your dad was a really nice man and we were sorry to read of his passing. Take care
The Baldelli family
Northboro
Grace Sheldon Lyons
July 15, 2014
A true gentleman, Mr. Kronoff was my history teacher at MHS. I enjoyed knowing him and learning from him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Bill Grady
July 15, 2014
I have many wonderful memories of Coach Kronoff from watching him play at HC., listening to the Orange Bowl game , and playing for Frank ( in Clinton )at his first coaching assignment .Frank`s strengths of sincerity ,warmth , and compassion for his players and associates is ingrained in all who had the pleasure to know him .
Please accept my condolences '
Bill Grady CHS ,1954
Carleton Wayman
July 15, 2014
My condolences to your family in the loss of Mr. Kronoff, I remember him from my days at Bartlett High School, Class of 1962.
July 15, 2014
I was a freshman at MHS with that undefeated team and had him as a teacher and homeroom I remember him like it was yesterday. I loved sports myself and always have, I'm sure I would have been Coach Kronoff's first female players in a different time. My deepest sympathies to his friendly and friends. He was the best
George & Susan Marrino
July 15, 2014
Great character and integrity. A class act, and true gentleman, who will be dearly missed. An honor to call him our cherished friend.
Our sincerest condolences to Janet, Ed, and the entire family.
July 15, 2014
A great Coach and most of all a great person.I always enjoyed his company.. Vic Rimkus Hudson HS and former Crusader
Matthew J. McCarthy
July 14, 2014
You were a great Substitute teacher!!! Thank you for everything!
Bob Larson, ARHS '86
July 14, 2014
Coach Kronoff taught young men important lessons, such as winning with class and losing with your chin held high. He left a lasting impression on many of us. "Silent Determination" - Yes indeed, Coach. Most sincere condolences to Coach K's family.
Jay Wentzell
July 14, 2014
Dear Coach,
Thank you for making such a positive impression on so many of us that played football under your leadership. May you rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Joan Kronoff
July 14, 2014
May you rest in peace to a wonderful cousin.
Joanne Jalbert
July 14, 2014
Rest in peace Frank. I am honored to have known the true gentleman you were.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in Frank Kronoff's name
Memorial Events
for Frank Kronoff
How to support Frank's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Frank Kronoff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
