WWII Veteran
Mr. James F. Cronin, 88, went peacefully into eternal rest on July 1st surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years Ruth Munson Cronin.
James was born on August 24, 1921 in Waterbury a son of the late Timothy and Mary (Osborn) Cronin. Besides his wife he is survived by a son Kevin Cronin and his wife Gaby of Warren, a daughter Colleen Mailhot and her husband Phil of Watertown, two sisters, Anna Linscott of Waterbury and Dorothy White and her husband Elmer of Naugatuck, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son James Cronin Jr., a daughter Kathleen C.B. Samela, three sisters, Mary Williams, Alice Marano and Agnes Bradshaw and two brothers, Timothy Cronin and Billy Cronin.
James served in WWII as a tail gunner on the B-26. He flew 64 missions over Italy and France. He returned home to Waterbury in 1944 where he married his wife, moved to Southbury and raised a beautiful family. He served as chairman of the recreation committee in Southbury and was on the Southbury Board of Education for several years. While on the recreation committee, he facilitated the creation of Ballentine Field, one of his most notable accomplishments.
Upon his retirement as a Purchasing Agent at Southbury Training School he was affiliated with the Spooner House Shelter in Derby. Ireland was his favorite place and he frequently visited family there.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kathleen C.B. Samela Food Bank C/O Christ Church, 56 South Cliff St., Ansonia, Ct 06401-1910.

Cemetery: Pine Hill Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday July 3rd from the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson - Lovetere, 235 Main St. North at 9: 00am for a 10: 00am service at Sacred Heart Church, Southbury. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Southbury.

Visitation: Calling hours will be held on Friday July 2nd from 7 - 9pm at the Funeral Home.