Robert Cronin

Robert "Bob" Matthew Cronin, 89, died at 8:14 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2014 at Alton Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.He was born in Elsah on January 6, 1925, one of four children born to the late John & Annetta (Bechtold) Cronin.Bob graduated from Alton High School and soon enlisted with the US Navy where he served his country honorably in World War II. After returning from service, Bob began his career with Laclede Steel Company, where he dedicated 38 years of hard work and service as an Iron Worker before retiring in 1989.Bob was an avid outdoorsman and amateur naturalist who enjoyed the simplicities of nature and passed his love and knowledge of the outdoors on to his children. . He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, receiving the Silver Beaver Award in honor of his hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and impact on the lives of youth through his many years of service. He was a former member of the Elsah Volunteer Emergency Corps; as well as the VFW Post 1308 in Alton. Bob enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing, but above all truly cherished the time spent with his family.He married the former June Rister in November of 1947 at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Beltrees and together they have shared the last 66 years together.Also surviving are nine children and their spouses, Rose Mary & James Towey of Godfrey; Mike & Jennifer Cronin of Port Townsend, WA; Dan & Dorothy Cronin of Elsah; Christine & Gordon White of Jacksonville; Terri & Mark Darr of Godfrey; John & Jennifer Cronin of Fieldon; Dave & Rhonda Cronin of Dow; Fred Cronin of Godfrey; and Tom Cronin of Elsah; nineteen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; along with a brother, Edgar Cronin of Alton.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Pat Farmer and a brother, Jim Cronin.Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday.Burial will be at the Elsah Cemetery in Elsah.In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be given to the Historic Elsah Foundation or to St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grafton where Bob was a member.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home