John A. Cronin, born November 19, 1937, died January 27, 2022

A lifelong Milton resident, John A. Cronin was born on Thompson Lane to a busy house of two brothers and an adored sister. He fondly told stories of being an altar boy at St. Elizabeth’s, running a thriving paper route, working at Kerrigan’s corner store as a soda jerk, and tinkering with cars. He was very active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which seeded a passion that kept him involved in Scouts through much of his life. He graduated Milton High School in 1955 and Tufts College, School of Engineering in 1959.

Following Tufts, John worked as a sales engineer at Worthington for 10 years and volunteered as Troop 4 Milton Scoutmaster. He poured his energy into the Town of Milton and was elected as a Milton Park Commissioner and Town Meeting Member, as well as appointed to Milton’s Conservation Commission.

In 1965, he married Maritta Manning. They built a home on Wendell Park that would spill forth with three sons, many dogs, expansive gardens, never ending projects, and love.

While raising his family and serving the Town of Milton as a volunteer, he became interested in a career in civic service. In 1968, the Milton Board of Selectmen appointed him as Executive Secretary (now Town Administrator). For the next 33 years he was able to work with the many boards of selectman and hundreds of colleagues to guide the Town. It was a position he loved. Upon his retirement, a conference room in Town Hall was named in his honor.

In the 1970s, he served as an Associate Commissioner of the MDC. In this role, his understanding of and passion for conservation grew. He prioritized the importance of the outdoors and the positive role government can play to create and preserve land for public use. Along that vein, John served on the Board of Thompson Island and was a 40-year board member for the Environmental League of Massachusetts.

In 1978, John became Scout Master of Troop 3 Milton. During his 13 years in this position, he guided more than 60 young men to the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest honor. His proudest moments were watching his three sons earn their Eagle Scout rank. Later, he earned the Silver Beaver award, which recognizes Scouters of exceptional character.

A lifelong outdoorsman, he loved hiking in the mountains of New England; boating from the Milton Yacht Club; and in his later years, enjoyed fishing, gardening, and the best sunsets on the East Coast at the family home on Humarock’s South River.

Following his retirement, he earned the title of Master Gardener through a course sponsored by Massachusetts Horticultural Society. His love of, and skill with, gardening led his gardens in Milton and Humarock to be featured on several tours. He earned a reputation for his deep knowledge of Hosta plants, which he generously shared. A crowning moment of his gardening career occurred in November 2021 when, surrounded by fellow horticulturists, friends, and family, he received a Gold Medal of Honor from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for outstanding service to the Society.

A lifetime of service cannot be fully captured here. John poured thousands of personal service hours into community and conservation, notably with the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Fuller Village, Mary M.B. Wakefield Arboretum and countless Milton organizations. While his service was notable, his greatest joy was connecting others with organizations that needed talent, time, or donors.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Maritta Manning Cronin; three cherished sons, John A. Cronin Jr. of GA, Brian M. Cronin of Milton, and Will M. Cronin (Christa) of RI; and four beloved grandchildren, Madelynn M. “Maddy,” John A. III “Jack,” Henry R., and Duncan P. Cronin. He was the brother of Thomas E. Cronin (Tania) of CO and Katharine Cronin Dowd (Jim) of MO. He also leaves treasured nieces; nephews; cousins; his dear friends, the Heavey family; Town colleagues; gardening acquaintances; and other wonderful friends. He was the son of the late Joseph M. and Mary Marr Cronin, brother to the late Joseph Marr Cronin, and father-in-law to the late Jennifer Marra Cronin.

Visiting hours at Saint Elizabeth Church, 350 Reedsdale Road, Milton, Friday February 4 from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church Saturday at 10:00 AM. Relative and friends invited. Interment Milton Cemetery.

In the spring when flowers are blooming and it is safe to do so, we will come together for a celebration of John’s life to share stories and memories. Please share your email address with the family so that they can notify you when the date and details are confirmed.