Patrick J. Cronin

Patrick J. Cronin, a loving brother and uncle, and avid history buff, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25. He was 77 years old.

Born in Olean, New York, Patrick was the eldest of six children born to John M. Cronin and Rita T. Cronin (nee Langendorfer). Most of his early years were spent in Oakfield, New York before the family moved to Mineola, Long Island in the early 1960’s.

Patrick courageously overcame significant disabilities and physical limitations associated with cerebral palsy. He attended Hofstra University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in History. His love of history, notably U.S. history, as well as the history of the Catholic Church and papacy, marked a life of scholarship, reading, and engaging discussions with anyone who shared his interests. His extensive personal library covered the early Church, the American Revolution, the Alamo, the Civil War, both World Wars, and John F. Kennedy. His accurate recall of historical facts, dates, television shows, and characters, was extraordinary.

Patrick was proud to exercise his vote, and he scrupulously followed current events. Among his prized possessions was a letter from then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton thanking him for his words of encouragement and support.

Following college, Patrick lived in Boston and New York before moving to Staten Island. At the time of his death, he had been a resident of the Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Staten Island for more than twenty years. Patrick embraced the spiritual atmosphere at Carmel Richmond attending Mass when he could, and praying the rosary daily. He loved and was loved by many of the Carmel Richmond staff who attended to him over the years.

Upon learning of his death, many friends, including Carmel Richmond staff, noted that they were inspired by Patrick, what he endured without complaint, and how often he would pray the rosary for others in need.

Patrick was predeceased by his parents, John and Rita, as well as his sister, Mary. He is survived by his brothers Terence (Maureen) and John, and his sisters Colleen McElroy (Doug) and Maureen Cronin-McLaughlin (Pat). He is also survived by his nephew, Michael McElroy, and his nieces, Maureen McElroy and Katherine McLaughlin.

Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by the Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island. A graveside ceremony will take place Wednesday, April 30, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Corning, New York, where Patrick will be buried along with his parents and sister Mary. A memorial service will be held at Carmel Richmond on Monday, May 5.

Patrick’s family is grateful to everyone at Carmel Richmond, particularly the day staff of the fifth floor, the pastoral staff, administrative staff, and Dr. Stephen Mastrianni, for the care and compassion provided to Patrick, particularly during the last chapter of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Patrick’s memory can be made to Friends of Carmel Richmond, Inc., 88 Old Town Rd., Staten Island, NY 10304-4299.