LYNN — Frederick Bartholomew Cronin Jr., age 77, a lifelong resident of Lynn and former City of Lynn tax collector, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 in the NSMC–Salem Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Helen J. (Ferragamo) Cronin, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage.
Born in Lynn on Feb. 23, 1941, Fred was the son of the late Frederick B. Cronin Sr. and Bridie (Dunn) Cronin. He grew up in the Highlands and was a graduate of Lynn English High School with the Class of 1959. He went on to Trinidad College and attained a bachelor’s degree from Salem State College before attending classes with the New England School of Law. When married to Helen, the couple settled into a home in the Highlands where they raised four daughters.
Fred was a longtime, dedicated public servant for City of Lynn. He worked as a social worker for the city while taking on the role of Ward 4 City Councilor. He also served in the capacity of substitute teacher for Lynn schools. In 1977, Fred was elected to serve as City of Lynn tax collector, a position he served proudly and honorably for 41 years until his retirement in May of 2018. Fred also had several businesses in the City of Lynn, some including K & C, Smuggler’s Cove and Pelican Pub.
Fred was a member of a variety of clubs and served on several boards and commissions in the City of Lynn throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the Friendly Knights of St. Patrick and lifelong member of the YMCA. Fred is best known for his love to travel, his big cigars, his antique cars and his infectious laugh but his legacy will be his unbiased kindness and compassion and the inability to say no to anyone in need.
In addition to his wife, Helen Cronin, Fred leaves his daughters, Kathleen A. Wilson and her companion, Peter DiRupo, Christine M. Cronin-Treantos, Karen J. Winchell and her husband, Kevin, and Susan B. Cronin Brown and her husband, Craig. He was also the loving grandfather of Frederick B. Wilson and his companion, Morgan Steve, Joseph and Molly Winchell, and Mackenzie Brown, and his great-granddaughter, Elinorra Wilson, all of Lynn. He also leaves five siblings, Matthew Baxter of Methuen, Gordon J. Cronin and his wife, Donna, Adrian M. Cronin and his wife, Diane, Mary A. LoPresti and her husband, Bubba (John), and Marjorie A. Cronin, all of Lynn, and his aunt, Mary Dunn of Salem. Fred is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews and many other friends from all walks of life. Fred was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Bruce Wilson as well as his late siblings, Kathleen Cronin, Joseph Cronin, Helen Beauchamp, Ralph Cronin, and Geraldine “Geri” Cronin, and his sister-in-law, Marie Baxter. Fred was also a long friend of Bill W.
Service information: Visiting hours will be held in the CUFFE-McGINN Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn, on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral will begin in the funeral home on Friday, Sept. 28 from 9-10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church, 215 Maple St., Lynn, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Lynn. Contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to either Lynn Boys and Girls Club, 25 No. Common St., Lynn, MA 01902 or Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Ste. 602, Boston, MA 02215 or the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. To leave a condolence online or to share a memory, please visit www.cuffemcginn.com.
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