Bert V. Cronin Sr.

On June 19, 2010, Bert Cronin Sr. went to be with the Lord after a long illness. He was surrounded by his large family and the many people he helped throughout his long and productive life.

Bert was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Grace and Charlie Cronin on August 24, 1918. He grew up in nearby Thompson, North Dakota on the family farm. He worked on the farm until the Dust Bowl of 1936 forced the Cronin family to pack up and move to Everett, Washington. He always loved his North Dakota roots and traveled back there as often as he could.

In 1939 he started a building company with his brother-in-law, Bob O'Connor, that became O'Connor & Cronin. With O'Connor & Cronin they developed a large part of South Everett, but also did business all over Snohomish and Island Counties. The last large project they did together was the Mobile Country Club in South Everett.

Aside from Bert's business enterprises, he was very active in his community and his church. He was very proud to help start St. Mary Magdalen Parish and St. Vincent de Paul and his generosity to the community was well known as he was always a first call for local charities. He was a man with simple virtue who never placed himself above his fellow man. His quick wit and simple honesty will be greatly missed in the world we live in today.

Bert is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Peggy; his five children, Colleen Cronin, Sharon O'Neil, Connie (Bill) Schuler, Bert (Roxanne) Cronin Jr., and Mike Cronin; grandchildren, David (Ellen) Bolin, Clay (Julie) Bolin, Al (Madeline) Bolin, Mary (Chip) Bell, Matt (Abbey) Bolin, Bill Schuler, Paul (Julie) Schuler, Erin (Kevin) Dill, Sarah (JW) Feusner, Katie (Jerry) Jouett, Sean O'Neil, Briget O'Neil, Joe (Robyn) Cronin, Kelli Cronin, and John Cronin, and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Charles; brother, Gene Cronin; sisters, Helen Taro, Catherine Dunlap and Alice Gaines; son-in-law, Gene O'Neil; and grandson Kevin O'Neil.

Recitation of the Rosary will be Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., at Purdy and Walters with Cassidy. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to the St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Mary Magdalen Parish, 8517 7th Ave. SE, Everett, WA, 98208.