Obituary of James Francis Cronin

James Francis Cronin Age 86 of Middletown , RI formerly of Horseheads , NY passed away on Tuesday November 21, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born April 21, 1937 in Manhattan , NY the son of the late John William Cronin and Teresa Julia Torpey Cronin. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Providence College. Following college , Jim was commissioned into The U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant on June 2 , 1959 and retired from The US Army Reserves as a LT. COLONEL. Jim married his first wife Anne Frances Hall Cronin , on February 6, 1960 and she pre-deceased him on February 1, 2007. He was also pre-deceased by his brother Jack Cronin. Jim was a long-time communicant of St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads, NY. He loved the Boston Red Sox and coached Horseheads Little League , Horseheads Babe Ruth , American Legion Baseball, St. Mary's CYO Basketball , Horseheads Youth Basketball. Jim also served as the President of Chemung County CYO , and was a member of The Ancient Order of Hiberians in Elmira, NY. Jim was a retired Sales Director of Lighting Products/Senior Sales Account Manager for 36 years for Corning Inc. in Corning, NY and recognized as a Distinguished Associate. Jim was a member of The Elmira Heights American Legion Post # 154 and The Horseheads American Legion Post # 442 . He married his second wife, Shirley Zimmer Fife Cronin on September 12 , 2009. Jim and Shirley moved to Providence , RI where they made many friends and enjoyed travelling to Ireland several times. Jim loved his family and friends and treasured the time he spent with them. Jim is survived by his wife Shirley Fife Cronin ; his beloved children: Kathleen Cronin Richards (Paul) of Webster , NY , Kevin Cronin of Horseheads, NY , Michael Cronin of Horseheads, NY , Stephen Cronin (Helena) of Horseheads, NY , Carol Anne "Pixie" Cronin Brennan (Jason) of Ithaca, NY , Mark Cronin (Tammi) of Horseheads, NY , and John H. Cronin of Riverview, Florida ; cherished grandchildren: Emily Richards Markle (Kevin) of Penfield , NY and Tyler Richards of Webster, NY , Hayley Cronin of Pittsford, NY , Grace Anne Cronin of Horseheads, NY , Hannah Pearl Brennan and Jack Cronin Brennan both of Ithaca, NY and a host of loving and caring family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY on Tuesday November 28, 2023 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Mr. Cronin's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday November 29, 2023 at 11 AM. The Rev. Christopher E. Linsler will be The Celebrant of the Mass and The Rev. John DeSocio will be The Con-Celebrant. Jim will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery Horseheads, NY next to his beloved first wife Anne Frances Hall Cronin. In lieu of flowers , those wishing may remember Mr. Cronin through memorials to The Horseheads Little League P.O. Box 295 Horseheads, NY 14845. Words of Condolence and memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com .