Obituary of Francis Cronin

Francis Raymund Cronin died on Monday, March 28, 2016 at home in Fredericton surrounded by his family. Francis (Frank) was born on February 22, 1937 in Saint John, New Brunswick. Frank was the son of the late Raymund and Beatrice (McGuiggan) Cronin. Frank lived Plato’s advice that an unexamined life was not worth living. As husband, parent, grandparent, uncle, teacher, mentor and friend, he embodied a love of wisdom, inquiry, and generosity. As a teacher at St. Thomas University for 35 years he helped young people to think critically; as a parent he taught us to live ethically; as a person he lived all that he taught. Frank loved knowledge and he encouraged everyone on their own path; he was tireless in his support; generous in his advice and loving always. He loved his family, he loved his friends, and above all he loved Janet, his wife – and they are together again. Frank was pre-deceased by his wife of 51 years, Janet, and is survived by his daughters Sharon Cronin of Calgary, AB and Maureen (Jonathan) Montague of Fredericton, NB, sons Raymund (Sarah) of Halifax, NS, Arthur (Michele), and Timothy (Danielle) both of Fredericton, NB, Michael of Calgary, AB, and Richard (Alex) of Toronto, ON; twelve grandchildren, Mollie, Kelsey, Kathryn, Raymund, Mary, Maggie, Irene, Rachel, Darcey, Ryan, Eric and Madeline; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin sister, Anne Elizabeth Haggerty (Edward) and his brother, Joseph Bapst Cronin. There will be no visitation by request. A memorial mass will take place at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 12 pm with Father John Jennings as celebrant. Interment will take place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Fredericton Food Bank or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com