George William “Bill” Cronin Jr., 89, a resident in St. Anne’s Retirement Community, Lancaster, PA passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center. Bill was born on August 11, 1934, in Tulsa, OK. The eldest son of George Cronin and Luella Dittmer Cronin. Bill married the love of his life, Pauline “Polly” Milligan Cronin, February 20, 1960. Bill was a 1956 graduate of St. Edward’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree. In 1956, he was commissioned into the US Navy and served honorably for 31 years on active duty as a Supply Corps Officer. A combat Vietnam veteran, Bill retired in 1987 at the rank of Captain with his final Navy assignment as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Supply NAS Corpus Christi, TX. The following is an excerpt from his final fitness report. “Captain Cronin is an outstanding officer; positive, decisive, and attentive. He is exceptionally knowledgeable in the technical aspects of Navy supply and effective in solving the nearly daily crisis encountered in supply. He is a superior leader and manager whose dedication, enthusiasm, and sense of humor is infectious. He is a polished professional and a team player. Readiness is up and the future is brighter thanks to Captain Cronin’s 31 years of service.” Bill’s professional awards include: Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards); Navy Commendation Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars and Marine Corps emblem; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. A qualified Aviation Supply officer and former Commanding Officer. Bill earned a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA in 1970.Bill was deeply religious and involved with the Roman Catholic Church serving in several leadership roles and actively engaged in community outreach. Bill was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. As "Sir Knight" he worked tirelessly to foster patriotism and encourage active Catholic citizenship. Bill and Polly moved to Lancaster County, PA in 2022 after having lived in Cedar Park, TX for 30 years and spending most of those years traveling widely. Memorable trips were made with Road Scholar and to the Holy Land. Bill is survived by his beloved wife Polly of 63 years, and their three children, George Cronin III and wife Kathleen Cronin, Susan Moore and husband Thomas Moore, Rebecca Davis and husband George Davis, and his brother Herbert Cronin and wife Suzie. Bill and Polly have six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Bill is predeceased by infant son Gary Louis Cronin. Bill will always be loved and forever remembered for his wit and sense of humor by those who know him.
September 5, 2023, will be a viewing at 10:00 AM followed by a mass at 11:00 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Father Hahn presiding. The interment will be at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.
