George F. Cronin

George F. “Buzz” Cronin, age 86 of Elk Rapids, passed away quietly and peacefully Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at his home. Born in Grosse Pointe, MI on September 21, 1926 to the late Daniel and Lucille (Loveridge)

Cronin.

He married Dixie Stevens on February 5, 1949 at First Presbyterian Church in Saginaw, MI. She survives him. George proudly served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army in the Philippine Islands. He received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1951, where he played both varsity baseball and basketball for four years captaining both teams during his senior year and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. George initially worked as a Sales Representative with Shell Oil in Saginaw, MI before establishing a career with the GM Chevrolet Motor Division Saginaw Metal Castings Plants serving as Education and Training Coordinator and later as Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator from which he retired on October 1, 1988.

George was proud of his Irish heritage and graciously volunteered in the community. He was a member

of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Saginaw before moving to Elk Rapids in 1991 where he has been a

member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dixie; their

children: Clay (Debbie) Cronin, Kirk (Kathleen) Cronin, Carey Cronin, grandchildren: Tara (Corey)

Collins, Daniel Cronin, Colleen Cronin, and Kevin Cronin and a great grandson Eli Collins, and a sister Joan

(Larry) Fox. Happy Father’s Day dad and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 18, 2013 from 4 to 8pm at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic in Elk Rapids, with a Vigil service for the Deceased at 7pm. Mass from the order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 10am on Wednesday June 19, 2013, with Rev. Robert J. Zuchowski Presiding. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.