Richard F. Cronan

Richard F. “Pa” Cronan passed away October 17, 2017 at his home. Richard was born on August 11, 1943 at the Taylor Nursing Home in Cheboygan, the son of Raymond and Agnes (Quesnell) Cronan.  On March 8, 1975 Richard married Linda Lafrinere.

Richard was a US Army Veteran, a member of Cheboygan Catholic Community and a lifetime member of the VFW.  Richard has served as a Director on the Straits Area Federal Credit Union Board and also served as a member of the Bishop Baraga School Scholarship Committee.

Richard grew up on the family farm on Cronan Road in Alverno. He liked to tell stories about growing up on the farm and especially liked telling his children and grandchildren about having to walk to school “uphill both ways in 6 feet of snow.”

Richard graduated from Cheboygan Catholic High School in 1961.  After graduation, Richard worked at the Cheboygan Catholic Schools as a study hall monitor and also worked as a cook at Hack-Ma-Tack Inn. In 1963, Richard entered Weaver Airline Personnel School. After graduation in 1964, Richard moved to New York and worked at New York International Airport. In 1965, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years with a tour in Viet Nam. In 1967, Richard received an Honorable Discharge and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.  After returning home, Richard was employed by Fruin-Colon Construction as Purchasing Agent.  He was assigned to the Cheboygan P & G project which included the West warehouse. When that project was done, Richard went to work for Werner Inc as office manager and purchasing agent.  In 1974, Richard moved to Muscatine, Iowa and went to work for US Enviro-Con, Inc. Richard returned home to Cheboygan in 1975 and went to work for the City of Cheboygan as City Clerk/Treasurer and Assistant City Manager. In 1979, Richard went to work for Community Memorial Hospital as Manager Support Services.  Richard retired from the hospital in 1999.  From September 2000 to September 2003, Richard owned and operated the Little Caesars Franchise in Cheboygan.

Richard’s greatest joy were his children and grandchildren. Richard liked to act all tough and grouchy but he was a real push over when it came to his family especially his grandchildren and his niece Stacey.  Richard like to watch the Tigers on TV and call up his sister Rose (who he knew would be watching too) to complain or brag about the game.  Richard claimed to be a Michigan State fan but it was mostly so he could razz his in-laws who are Michigan fans.  Richard had a sense of humor that will be greatly missed.  His grandson Lance once said “If you have a question and you want to laugh ask Pa, if you want the truth ask Grandma.” 

Richard is survived by his wife Linda, his children Scott Cronan, Keri (Sam) Bohl, both of Cheboygan; his grandchildren: Lucas, Alayna, Lance, Aleah Cronan, Julia and Eliza Bohl; brothers, Robert (Claire)Cronan of Cheboygan, Albert (Linda) Cronan of Mackinaw City; sister, Rose Mikos of Cheboygan; in-laws Dick and Sharon Fenlon, Mike and Joan Lafrinere, Roger and Debbie Lafrinere and very special and dear to his heart niece Stacey Fenlon, all of Cheboygan along with many other nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother William Cronan; sister-in-law Naomi Cronan and brother-in-law George Mikos; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Al and Leola Lafrinere.

Visitation will take place at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 from 2– 4PM and 6– 8PM. The funeral mass, celebrated by Rev. Duane Wachowiak, will take place at St. Mary/St. Charles Catholic Church on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 at 11AM with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the mass at the church.  A luncheon will immediately follow the mass and burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Autism Speaks or the Cheboygan County Humane Society.

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