Richard Dennis Cronin

November 4, 1944, to May 16, 2025

Saint Simons Island, GA

Richard Dennis Cronin (Rich), passed away from a very short battle with cancer in Brunswick, GA on Friday, May 16, 2025. Rich, the son of Earl Joseph and Ada Hicks Cronin, was born and grew up in Alexandria, VA, graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1962. Rich was honored to work in public service most of his life, starting work with the US Postal Service and then joining Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in 1967. After a long and distinguished career of 26 years, Rich retired as the Station Captain at Fire Station 09 - Mount Vernon, VA.

He met the love of his life Ruby Sena in Virginia. They got married in 1978, and had two sons, Dennis and Patrick.

Rich retired at just 48 years of age, enjoying coaching and refereeing his sons’ sports teams. He stayed in touch with his firefighter community through the Retired Firefighters Association, joining golf outings and fun trips with friends. In 2002, Rich and Ruby, both retired, joined several of Rich’s beloved cousins and family and moved South to Saint Simons Island, GA. Rich enjoyed golf, bowling, keeping up with his favorite Washington sports teams, and visiting with family and friends around the pool. Rich could strike up a conversation with anyone - he never met a stranger.

Rich loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Ruby Sena Cronin; his children Dennis Cronin and his wife Katie, Patrick Cronin and his wife Sherilee; grandsons Tristyn Cronin and Declan Cronin; along with extended family and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Earl Joseph (Joe) Cronin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Rich to the Fairfax County Fire Department.