Kevin S. Cronin

Kevin S. Cronin Obituary
Kevin Stewart Cronin, born 3 December 1953, departed this life on 27 November 2020. TSgt. Cronin (ret.) was born in Cranston, Rhode Island to James Michael and Brita Elizabeth (Welch) Cronin of Attleboro, Massachusetts. Mr. Cronin was raised in Attleboro, MA. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 46 years, Margie Elaine (Hazel) Cronin, his children Kevin Stewart Cronin II and Dr. Catherine Elaine (Cronin) Funk and his mother Brits Cronin. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Aeryn, Elijah, and Preston Cronin and Jonathan Funk. He is preceded in death by his father and his brother (Keith Cronin).
Upon graduating Attleboro High School in May 1972, Mr. Cronin began a twenty-year military career with the United States Air Force. TSgt. Cronin served as an auto flight system control technician, a small arms instructor, and a wing historian before retiring in 1992.
He served at McDill AFB, Lakenheath AB (UK), Nellis AFB, Misawa AB (Japan), and Moody AFB. He served temporary duty at Clarke AFB (Philippines) during the Filipino Revolution and Tabuk Royal Saudi AF Base (Saudi Arabia) during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Of his 20 years in the service, he always said his one regret was not serving in Vietnam.
After retiring from the Air Force, where he earned his Bachelor degree from the University of Maryland, Mr. Cronin enrolled in Valdosta State University and earned a Master’s degrees in Business Education and in History. He worked at Thomas Technical College teaching Computer Ed courses while getting his Masters in History.
Mr. Cronin taught history at Georgia Military College for 20 years until retirement. He always said that teaching History was an opportunity to get up each day and do something he loved. Mr. Cronin loved the students, the people he worked with, and the fun of teaching history. Professor Cronin always believed that his students could succeed and tried to help them while teaching history and how to apply the lessons of history to today. Upon his retirement, 30 September 2020, Georgia Military College recognized his love for history and his students with a $5000 perpetual scholarship in his name.
Mr. Cronin was involved in the Boy Scouts of America in different communities earned awards. While participating in the Nippon Boy Scout Jamboree he met the current, Emperor of Japan. During 50-miler hikes, Cronin would regale the Scouts with history stories as well as answer history questions, inspiring future generations.
During his over 30 years in Valdosta, Mr. Cronin was active in community service projects, including Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, rode in twenty-three of the Outback Annual Toy Runs, and numerous other projects. He served with Mormon Helping Hands in hurricane clean-up in Pensacola, FL and Gulfport, MS. Mr. Cronin belonged to the American Legion Post 13 and American Legion Riders.
Kevin Cronin was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ. He followed Jesus Christ and tried to live his life as Christ would want him to. He tried to treat others as he wanted to be treated and felt all people were his brothers and sisters. Having spent time growing up in the projects of Attleboro, MA he knew what it was like to be poor and always wanted to help others to have a better life.
At this time there will not be a funeral. When Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, a non-alcoholic Irish wake will be held in his honor with good stories, good food, and good friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Georgia Military College Kevin S. Cronin Scholarship, Outback Annual Toy Run, or Habitat for Humanity are requested.