Denis Cronin Obituary

Denis J. Cronin, loving father, grandfather, and devoted husband of Mary Jane Cronin departed this world at the age of 84 in Cranford, NJ.
Born in Jersey City, NJ to John and Noreen Cronin and brother to Peggy Ackerman, Denis enlisted in the Army upon high school graduation. He served five and a half years in Alaska and Fort Dix and received several honors.
Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Mary Jane McMillan, and after dating for a year, they were married and proceeded to have three sons, John, Paul, and Denis in 915 days, which they often referred to as their "915 Club". Denis had a distinctive booming voice which came in handy in a household of young boys. He ultimately used it to audition for voiceover commentary for radio and TV commercials.
Denis was an industrious soul and often worked two jobs to support his family. He worked 40 years as a train conductor for the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey running trains from Journal Square to the World Trade Center and surrounding train yards. He relocated his family from Jersey City to Hasbrouck Heights, NJ to provide a better life in 1976 where they lived until 2003. Always well-dressed, he was passionate about his Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and fashion.
Upon retirement, Denis and Mary Jane relocated to Mays Landing, NJ where they could enjoy beach trips to Brigantine, the Atlantic City boardwalk for the Air Show and taking the grandkids to Storybook Land. Hosting their six grandchildren was a highlight of family life until Mary Jane's death in 2012. Denis continued to live in Mays Landing, frequently traveling to North Jersey to visit his sons and family until he became ill in March 2025.
Denis is predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Mary Jane McMillan. He is survived by his sons, John F. Cronin, Sherry Cronin (wife), Daniel and Evan Cronin (grandsons); Paul Cronin, Tina Edwards (fiancée), Mike and Chris Cronin (grandsons); Denis Cronin, Mary Lynn Cronin (wife) and Zachary and Kaitlyn Cronin (grandchildren). He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Ackerman, Russell Ackerman (husband), and their children, Beth Wappman, Bill Ackerman, and Katie Mack and their grandchildren, and cousins David and Christine McMillan and their loving families.
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