Francis X. Cronin, age 77, and a resident of Tewksbury for the past 45 years, formerly of Melrose, passed away at home in the care of his family and hospice on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He was the beloved husband of Patricia K. (Furlong) Cronin, with whom he celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on August 15th.
Born in Somerville on August 11, 1948, he was the son of the late Joseph J. Cronin and the late Rita L. (Brennan) Cronin.
Francis was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in 1966. Following high school, he attended Salem State University and served in the Army National Guard.
Francis had a fulfilling career as a sales and marketing executive and food broker, working for Merkert Enterprises and Slade Gorton & Co until his retirement.
He enjoyed many activities, especially skiing at Pat’s Peak in New Hampshire, fishing trips to Alaska, and playing numerous rounds of golf at Tewksbury Country Club and Mount Hood in Melrose. He was an avid Boston sports fan and loved any opportunity to attend a Patriots or Red Sox game. He loved his time coaching his children and grandchildren in t-ball and softball. He loved to collect watches and clocks. And he loved cars, especially his first Corvette.
Francis will fondly be remembered for his warm personality and sense of humor.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Ryan F. Cronin and his wife Jennifer, of Waltham: his daughter, Kristin E. LaFlamme and her husband Jesse, of Andover: three grandchildren, Matthew and Emily Cronin, and Casey LaFlamme. He was the brother of Joseph J. Cronin, Jr. and his wife Phyllis, of Palos Verdes, CA and the late Richard C. Cronin and his surviving wife Phyllis, of Malden. He leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and extended family members. He was also a long-time friend of Bill W.
Calling hours are Wednesday, April 29th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, followed by his Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury. Services will conclude with interment at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to M.S.P.C.A-Nevins Farm at www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/nevins-farm-adoption-center