Cronin, David M.

Delmar- David Michael Cronin, 83, Delmar, NY and formerly of Plattsburgh, passed away, Friday, May 2, 2019, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany after a brief illness, from terminal brain cancer. His wife and daughter were at his bedside.

He was born in Plattsburgh, October 26, 1935 the son of John F. "Frank" and Doris E. (Robert) Cronin. Dave attended St. John’s Academy in Plattsburgh graduating in 1953. He received both Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh. Additionally, he earned a Professional Diploma in the Teaching of Reading from Hofstra University, a College Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture from SUNY College of Technology at Farmingdale and a certification as a Master Gardener from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Dave had a distinguished 38 year career as an elementary school teacher with the North Shore School District on Long Island, NY and as a Reading Clinician with the Hofstra University Reading Clinic. He was honored at his retirement for establishing a career long tradition of planting a tree on school grounds each year to honor his students reflecting both his dedication to them and his lifelong passion for landscaping and gardening.

Dave was an avid golfer playing regularly with his wife, Penny, and enjoyed an annual return to Plattsburgh to play the course he first caddied on and later learned to play the game.He and Penny traveled extensively .In the 80's they purchased a home on Saratoga Lake where both their families gathered for summer get- togethers.There was nothing more Dave enjoyed than spending time with his grandchildren, visiting with his family and retelling old tales from his early days in Plattsburgh. Dave was an accomplished woodworker making furniture as well as wooden toys for his grandchildren.

Dave was a proud veteran, serving honorably in the US Army and US Army Reserves for six years, including an overseas tour in Schweinfurt, Germany. He was an active parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Delmar, and St. Isaac Jogues Mission, Saratoga Lake. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Alice “Penny” (Hilpman), children Margaret (James) Gorham of Avon, CT, Paul “Skip” (Robin) Cronin of Dana Point, CA; 5 grandchildren; sisters, Anne Simays of Sebastian, FL and Jane Squires of Plattsburgh; brothers, Ned Cronin of Portland, OR and John Cronin of Boston, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Drew Cronin.

A Mass of Celebration will be held later this year at the St. Isaac Jogues Mission located on Saratoga Lake at a time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Dave's name to: Fisher House Foundation (to aid veterans), 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852 or to the Bethlehem Garden Club, PO Box 485, Delmar, N.Y. 12054.