Charles Albert Cronin Jr. (Chuck)
Founder of Cronin's Ice Cream Company
Charles Albert Cronin Jr. (Chuck), 84, of Lucerne, ME and Tavernier, The Florida Keys, formerly of Andover, passed away, March 19th at the VA Medical Center in Bedford, Mass. in the presence of his family and his loving wife of 59 years, Marilyn (Welch). He was in his 85th year when his body betrayed his will to live. He is survived by his six loving children; Claudia Cronin-Schlote (Phil) of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Charles III (Charlotte) of Foxboro, Mass., Carlton (Patricia) of Haverhill, Courtney (Sandra) of Plaistow, N.H., Christopher (Cynthia) of Merrimack, N.H. and Carilyn Cronin Donovan (Bill) of Andover. Also surviving are his cherished grand-children; Carlton, Nathan, Jonathan, Meredith, Alissa (Schlote), Charles, Heather, Alexander, Connor, Zachary, Molly, Benjamin, Brenna (Donovan). His sister was the late Virginia Kane.
Born in Lawrence on October 6, 1926, to the late Gertrude P. Walsh and Charles A. Cronin Sr., Chuck grew up in Lawrence. He had many hobbies including dogs, carrier pigeons, photography, flying and many sports. He graduated from Central Catholic HS in 1944 where he played hockey, baseball and football and ran track. He also served as a US mail carrier to help supplement the reduced work force caused by WWII. He then enlisting in the US Air Force. After being honorably discharged in 1948 he went to Lawrence Academy in Groton graduating the following year.
Chuck spent his working career in the Ice Cream Industry. He started in sales for Sealtest Foods in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and later became General Manager for Sealtest in Williamsport, Penn. In 1962 Chuck completed his service to Sealtest when he left the General Manager’s position in Lawrence, Massachusetts to start his own ice cream distribution company in Andover, Massachusetts, Cronin's Ice Cream Company. During this period he gave generously of his time to the community. He was a benefactor to Bon Secours Hospital in Methuen Massachusetts, a member of Andover Country Club, a charter member of the Andover Rotary Club, a member of the Lawrence Rotary Club and a frequent volunteer at the Lawrence YMCA where he coached swimming for many years.
Once retired, Chuck and Marilyn enjoyed their summer cottage with friends and family in Lucerne-In-Maine and they wintered in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. In his leisure time, he loved to golf, a sport he had taken up as a young boy. He was also an avid boater and loved spending hours out on the water fishing and exploring.
Chuck was very social and had a zest for life and adventure that he has passed on to his children. He lived his life fully and generously. He will be deeply missed.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Bedford VA Medical Center for the excellent care given to him over the past year.
Arrangements:
At the request of the family there will be no visiting hours or funeral, but a memorial service and celebration of his life will take place at South Church, 41 Central St., Andover, MA on Friday March 25th at 2 p.m. In Chuck’s memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org By phone: 1.800.272.3900 By mail: P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.