Fr. Daniel C. Cronin

Norwich -- The Reverend Daniel C. Cronin, retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died Saturday, May 2, 2015, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, Connecticut. He was 87. Father Cronin is fondly remembered by all who knew him and grew spiritually from his caring presence. Father Cronin, son of the late Michael Cronin and Hannah (Nagle) Cronin of Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, East County Kerry, Ireland, was born in Rathmore, County Kerry, and educated in Ireland at St. Joseph College in Freshford, County Kilkenny. He continued his studies in philosophy and theology at St. Joseph's Missionary College in Rozendaal, Holland, and Mill Hill, just north of London. It was in Mill Hill, July 10, 1955, where Father Cronin was ordained to the priesthood for service as a Mill Hill Missionary by Bernard Cardinal Griffin. Immediately following ordination, Father Cronin began an extended missionary assignment in Borneo from 1955 to 1963. Shortly after returning to Freshford, Ireland in 1963, Father Cronin joined the Diocese of Norwich as Assistant Pastor at St. Luke Parish in Ellington. Subsequently, he served as Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart in Norwichtown and, in 1969, St. Mary in Portland. In 1977, he became Pastor of St. Stephen in Quinebaug until 1984 when he was appointed Pastor of St. Columba in Columbia, where he served faithfully until his retirement in January, 2012, at the age of 84. Father Cronin is survived by his sister Kathleen O'Donoghue of Killarney, Ireland, brother-in-law Michael Dennehy, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by three sisters: Julia Mary Sullivan, Hannah Dennehy, Mary Cronin; and four brothers: Denis, Paddy, Michael (Mick) and John Cronin. The Ceremony of the Vigil for the Deceased with Reception at the Church will take place at St. Columba Church, 328 Junction 66 & 87, Columbia, CT, Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Following that ceremony, Father Cronin's body will lie in state until 7:00 p.m. at St. Columba Church. A Parish Mass will be celebrated for his repose on Wednesday evening, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Columba. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columba Church. Interment will be in Ireland. Memorial donations may be made to St. Columba Church memorial fund 328 Rte. 66, Columbia, CT 06237. Arrangements have been entrusted to Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT 860-423-2211.