Robert T. Cronin

Robert T. Cronin, 94, of Tucson, Ariz., and formerly of Worcester, died April 7, 2023 in Tucson. 

His wife of 55 years, Mary T. (Trainor) Cronin, predeceased him in 2010.  He leaves a daughter, Maribeth Petrocelli and her husband Daniel, a grandson Thomas Petrocelli, all of Tucson; and a sister, Rosemary T. Cronin of Worcester. 

Bob was born in Worcester, son of Thomas F. and Margaret A. (Holloway) Cronin.  He lived most of his life in Worcester before moving to Tucson in 2018.

Bob was a 1946 graduate of Classical High School and a 1950 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross.  After a year of teaching in the Worcester Public Schools and graduate study at Worcester State College, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps.  He was proud of his two years of service in the Marines during the era of the Korean War and remained an active member in the Marine Corp League for many years.

Bob had a long career administering social programs in the Worcester area.  He worked many years with the Worcester Community Action Council and was later the administrator of Emergency Assistance, Refugee Resettlement and a number of other programs for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester. Before retiring from Catholic Charities, Bob worked for numerous years with Immigration and Citizenship programs as an administrator and loved teaching citizen classes.  He also dedicated decades to the Bishop’s Dinner program providing meals to the community on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Bob had a strong commitment to serving his community.  Among many interests, he was passionate about improving veterans’ affairs, immigration and citizenship opportunities, and education for the developmentally delayed.  He loved to spend time outdoors and was known for his love of gardening, especially while listening to his favorite Irish music.       

He was a longtime member of St. George’s Parish, and the Emerald Club.

There will be calling hours Friday, September 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester.  There will be a funeral Mass Saturday, September 9, at 10 a.m. in St. George Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.

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