Ralph W. Cronin Sr.

Ralph William Cronin, Sr., age 67, of Lynn, died suddenly on Monday, February 17, 2014 while cross-country skiing in New Hampshire with his wife. He was the beloved husband of Linda M. (LeBlanc) Cronin, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage.

Born in Lynn on July 29, 1946, Ralph was the son of the late Frederick B. Cronin, Sr. and Bridie (Dunn) Cronin. He grew up in the Highlands and attended Lynn Schools. Ralph was a graduate of Lynn English High School Class of 1965 and later attended Newbury Jr. College.

He enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany. Following his military service, Ralph returned to Lynn and married the love of his life in 1969.

Ralph was the Deputy Tax Collector for the City of Lynn for more than 30 years.

A proud son of the City, Ralph was loving, caring and helpful to all who knew him. He loved spending time with his family. He had an extended family through Bill W., where he was a sponsor and advocate and really dedicated time to helping people. A consummate and soft spoken gentleman, he inspired by example and touched the lives of so many and will be remembered for his supportive, kind words and ever comforting nature. He took fashion cues from no one, always proudly showing off his festive tie and colorful sock collection as well as his signature Christmas suit, characteristic of the many ways Ralph made people smile. He fully understood and appreciated the value of friendship, love, character and integrity and demonstrated this every day of his life.

An outstanding citizen and member of the community, Ralph was a member of the DAV, Valladolid Council #70 Knights of Columbus, the order of Knights of Pythias, Lynn Lions Club and Lynn YMCA. He was a board member of Centerboard (S.P.I.N.) and Santa’s Helping Hands. As a member of the Friendly Knights of St. Patrick’s, he was voted Lynn’s Irishman of the Year in 2011. He was an active communicant of St. Pius V Parish in Lynn and Our Lady of the Mountains Church in North Conway, NH.

He enjoyed spending time at his vacation home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, hiking and cross-country skiing, and being surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He truly was an extraordinary man and will be deeply missed.

In addition to his devoted and loving wife, he leaves his children: David Alden and his wife Jean of Beverly, Colleen Cronin-Anderson and her husband Chris of Lynnfield, Kristin Cronin-Thomas and her husband Rupert of Lynnfield and Ralph W. Cronin, Jr. and his wife Una of North Conway, NH. He was the loving Papa to his pride and joy, Rupert Jr., Chloe, Jett, Cooper and Chris Jr. (“C.J.”). He was the brother of Matthew H. Baxter and his wife Marie of Methuen, Frederick B. Cronin, Jr. and his wife Helen, Gordon J. Cronin and his wife Donna, Mary A. Cronin LoPresti and her husband John “Buba”, Geri F. Cronin, Margie A. Cronin, and Adrian M. Cronin and his wife Diane all of Lynn. He also leaves his beloved aunt, Mary Dunne of Rockland. His brothers and sister in laws, Karin and Dean Ball of California and Ron and Beth LeBlanc of Lynn. He is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Helen Beauchamp, Joseph and Kathleen Cronin.

Ralph’s Funeral will be held from the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St. Lynn on Monday at 10:00AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church at 11:00AM. Relatives and friends invited. Burial will be private. Visiting Hours Sunday 2-6 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Ralph’s memory be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Pius V Parish, 215 Maple St. Lynn, MA 01904.