J.A. "Buddy" Cronin

James “Buddy” Arthur Cronin, Jr., 85, of Houston, TX, passed away on February 4, 2017. He answered to many special nicknames from his family and friends including: Daddy, Dad, Bud, Buddy, Uncle Buddy, Grandpa and Poppy.

A native Houstonian, Buddy was born on July 13, 1931. He was the son of the late James Cronin, and Claudia Ely Cronin Bailey. He was preceded in death by his brother Herschel Cronin, Aunt Lois Ely and his in-laws Audie and Oleta Teague.

His life will forever be cherished in the hearts of his family: wife of 46 years, Jerry Cronin; daughters, Shannon and her husband Craig Bateman; Sherri and her husband Mark Vartraic; Debra and her husband Dan Reese; sons, Nathan Bielamowicz; Greg and his wife Tracy Bielamowicz, grandchildren, Blake Bielamowicz and his wife, Amy, Blaine Finke, Garrett Finke, Madison Bielamowicz, Dylan Bielamowicz, Chase Bielamowicz, Aidan Vartraic, Breleigh Bateman, and James Craig Bateman III; great grandchildren Brelyn and Grayson Bielamowicz; sisters, Audrey and Joe Fallacara, Patti and Carl Torregrossa, and sister in laws, Gloria Cronin and Jane Teague, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Buddy served our country in the Korean Conflict and is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a valued employee of Southwestern Bell for 42 years. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 560 and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow members.

Buddy was a fantastic cook who especially took pride in his delicious ribs. A true Houston sports fan, he loved watching both the Astros and the Texans play ball. He very much identified with his Irish heritage, and enjoyed frosty, ice cold beer. But most of all, he loved interacting with his many grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to carve jack-o’-lanterns at Halloween.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, February 9, at St. Rose of Lima, 3600 Brinkman, Houston, TX 77018. Burial will immediately follow at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:00 prior to the funeral.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by mail, Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to their Aunt, Jane Teague who has tirelessly assisted them in every way imaginable. We love you with all our hearts. The family would also like to thank Dr. Cimo Mahesh, Dr. Ramachandi, Dr. Pinakin Patel, Dr. Lalitha Sunder, Dr. Minh A. Tran.

Serving as pall bearers, Blaine Finke, Doug Harrison, Kenny Ray Kearns, Louis Romano, David Bartula, Eric Galvan and honorary pall bearers Blake Bielamowicz, Garrett Finke, Aidan Vartraic, Dylan Bielamowicz, Chase Bielamowicz, and James Craig Bateman, III.