John A. Cronin passed away at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Woburn, on Monday, June 8, 2009; he was 89 years of age. Born in Melrose on June 13, 1919 to the late James & Mary (Berrett) Cronin, he was raised in Melrose and graduated from Malden Catholic High School. John was a resident of Everett for 18 years and lived in Melrose most of his life. Mr. Cronin served in the US Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946 during WWII, driving the transport boats that delivered the troops to the shoreline. After his discharge from the Coast Guard he went to work for the New England Telephone Company. He worked first as a lineman and then as a testman for over 35 years, retiring in 1984. John was an avid sports fan, especially baseball and hockey; he enjoyed bragging about his grandchildren and had a great sense of humor. Mr. Cronin enjoyed golfing and was a longtime member of Incarnation Church in Melrose. Beloved husband of the late Winifred M. (Fitzpatrick) Cronin. Devoted father of J. Michael Cronin & his wife Danita of ME, Margaret C. DiCredico & her husband Robert of Tewksbury and Thomas J. Cronin & his wife Carolyn of Methuen. Loving grandfather of Danielle, Timmy, Billy, Jimmy, Kimberly, Brittany, Lauren, Katie, Emily and the late Robert Cronin. Great grandfather of Anthony & Nicholas. Brother of Margaret Kehoe, William Cronin both of Melrose, Robert Cronin of Newburyport and the late James Cronin & Mary Lane. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Saturday, June 13th, at 9AM. Funeral Mass in The Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St. Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday 4-8PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Rd. #400, Waltham, 02451.