Obituary of John Cronin

John A Cronin On Thursday, February 23, 2023, John Cronin, devoted husband and loving father of four, went home to take his place with the Lord at the age of 78. John graduated from Holy Cross High School, where he hit a home run over the fence at Ebbets Field as a baseball all-star. He then served his country in the U.S. Army as a tank mechanic and was honorably discharged. He protected the streets of Hempstead as a patrolman and then worked as a detective for 20 years a job he loved, making many long-lasting friendships that continued until his last day. After retirement, he decided to spend his time as a carpenter building houses, becoming quite proficient in crafting almost anything out of wood. John always had a love for trucks, especially the big rigs, and owned one "Big Betsy." He then decided to take to the open road, hauling stone and gravel and helping to build up the old Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, making it into a fully functional commercial airport. Soon after, he lent his truck-driving expertise to the Town of Hempstead highway department, and became lovingly known as "Mr. Plow" by the locals in town , behind the wheel "Big John" helped to battle some the largest snowfalls of the time, sometimes working 12 hours straight to clear the streets and make them safe for the people of Franklin Square. His last employment was working at Rath Park, a place where his children spent a lot of their youth, playing football, baseball, and handball, and swimming in the pool. John was always a worker; even though his health wasn't great, he did what he could to keep the park clean. As long as he could keep working, John was wiling to tackle any job. John was preceded in death by his father John and his mother Annette, as well as his stepmother Martha, whom he lovingly called grandma. Also preceding him in death was the love of his life, his wife, his everything, Irene, and his two brothers, Peter and Louie. He is survived by his four children, Michael (Donna), Peter (Lydia), David, and Alison; three grandchildren Jake, Thomas, and Alexandria; his brothers Kevin, Skip, and Gerry; sisters Ronnie and Mary Ellen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends John was a good man with a good heart, and a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend Anyone who knew him knew that once you shaved off the hard bark he kept firmly on his exterior, there was a true heart of gold and a true love of life. We love you, Dad; you will stay in our hearts forever. Now run to Mom, who you wanted to be with ever since the day she left us.