John Cronin Obituary, Resident Of Chicago Illinois Died Unexpectedly

John Cronin Obituary, Death – Leukemia and a major brain injury killed renowned Veteran John Cronin, former Brockton Firefighter, and husband of Alice (Cassidy) Cronin, on August 1, 2023, surrounded by his family, just shy of his 75th birthday. Born in Brockton on August 10, 1948, to D. Leo and Rita P. (Condon) Cronin, he resided there for 45 years until moving to Raynham for life.

In 1966, John earned an associate degree in Fire Science Technology from Massasoit Community College and Saint Patrick’s grade school, Cardinal Spellman High School. John joined the Navy after graduating from Cardinal Spellman and served four years in Vietnam, earning the National Defense and Vietnam Service Medals. Brockton’s Department of Public Works employed John after his honorable Navy discharge.

He joined Brockton Fire Department in 1984 and liked his job, coworkers, and IAFF Local 144. He part-timed with Russell & Pica Funeral Home for years. John was a legendary Notre Dame fan and Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots fan. He established numerous acquaintances at the Brockton YMCA for about 40 years. John was hospitalized for months when his esophagus collapsed in 2010. Medical complications blinded him. He rarely left the house, harming his life. He missed seeing his family and grandchildren play sports, which broke him.

John, a lifelong reader, used audiobooks and Amazon Alexa to listen to his favorite authors, news, weather, and more after his visual loss. A devout Catholic and former alter boy, John attended Brockton’s Saint Ann’s Church, Raynham, Saint Patrick’s, Saint Coleman’s, and Our Lady of Lourdes. He chuckled and hailed himself “an overall great guy!” known for his Irish wit and jokes.