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1929 Francis 2021

Francis J. Cronin

July 21, 1929 — January 13, 2021

Hudson

Francis "Fran" J. Cronin, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 13th at Oakdale Rehab and Nursing Center in West Boylston, after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth "Liz" (Terrasi) Cronin, and the oldest son of the late Francis J. and Violet (Tobin) Cronin.

Until his nursing home stay, Fran was a proud life-long resident of Hudson, MA. He attended St. Michael's Elementary School and graduated from Hudson High School in 1947. He served as a private first class in the Army from 1951-1953, during the Korean War. He worked in Hudson for LaPointe Machine & Tool as Production Control Manager through 1971, then for Hudson Lock and finally for The Entwistle Company where he retired in 1992 after 18 years of employment.

Fran had many interests including hunting, fishing, playing cards, handyman, reading, all things Western, Boston sports and always the proud patriot. He was "The Duke's" biggest fan and read every Louis L'Amour book at least 3 times. He belonged to bowling and softball leagues, and was a member of the Hudson Eagles and the Elks Lodge. He could be frequently spotted walking to town with his walking stick, wearing a baseball cap, often meeting friends for coffee at McDonald's. He eagerly awaited his every-other-week card game with his brother-in-law Tony Terrasi and other family and friends for over 30 years. He rarely missed a Red Sox or Patriots game.

For many years, Fran loved his annual trips to Vermont for deer hunting with his good buddies, and never tired of telling the stories. A favorite motto was "time spent hunting is not deducted from one's lifespan". Living until 91, this was true for him. He also treasured his time on the Cape, enjoying several years owning a home with his sister- and-brother-in-law, Maddy and Paul Anastas.

Fran and his late wife Liz had been married for 47 years when she passed away in 2010. His family was always an important part of his life, and there was no shortage of family events to enjoy. He loved when his 3 grandchildren were born, and spent time with them whenever possible. Our family is blessed to have so many fond memories with him, and that we had him with us for so long.

He is survived by his brother William Cronin of Fort Lauderdale, FL, his son Francis Cronin and wife Paula of Gardner MA, his daughter Cathy Cutler and husband Jack of Redding CT, and grandchildren John, James and Jeremy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, other dear family members and friends. He was the brother of his late sisters Patricia Lugin and Katherine Silvestris and his late brother Michael Cronin.

A private burial service will be held at Forestvale Cemetery. In memory of Fran, contributions can be sent to the Hudson Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 608, Hudson MA 01749.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis J. Cronin, please visit our flower store.

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