BANGOR – John H. Cronin, 73, husband of Sally M. (Betters) Cronin, died Aug. 30, 2010, with his loving family by his side at a Bangor hospital after an extended illness. He was born Oct. 3, 1936, in Bangor, the son of David H. and Madeline (Hartley) Cronin. John attended Catholic schools and graduated from John Bapst High School in 1956. In 1958 John married Sally Betters, the love of his life and high school sweetheart. He enlisted in the Maine Air National Guard at age 17 and proudly served his country for 38 years retiring as a chief master sergeant. He had an uncanny memory and never forgot the names of the guard members that came through his office during the years. John and Sally enjoyed traveling and spending time in Florida during the winters and at Branch Lake during the summers. They were members of St. Teresa’s Parish, Brewer, and John was a former member of Knights of Columbus. He was a kind and gentle man who remained positive and never lost his sense of humor throughout his declining health. Surviving, in addition to his wife of Bangor, are two daughters, Kathleen M. Cronin of Largo, Fla., and Laurie Cronin of Holden; one grandson, Michael Niedorowski of Bangor, with whom he had a special bond; one brother, David Cronin and his wife, Connie, of Portland; one sister, Mary Goody of Brewer; several nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by dear friends, Paul and Clarice Page of Bangor and John Nelligan of Bangor. He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Goody. The family thanks Dr. Toby Atkins for his care and devotion to John during his prolonged illness, and the nurses at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Merritt 3 West and intensive care unit for the excellent care they provided, not only to John but to his family, during his final days. Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Brewer. Burial with full military honors provided by the Maine Air National Guard Honors Team will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Bangor. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Lupus Foundation of America, 2000 L St. NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036 or at www.lupus.org. Condolences may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.
JOHN H. CRONIN
