Gilbert James Cronin

Waterbury-Gilbert James Cronin, age 82, beloved husband of Deborah (Jacewicz) (Maringola) Cronin, passed away on Sunday March 27, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital with his family beside him.

Born in Waterbury, CT on January 12, 1940, he was the son of the late Simon Cronin and Frances (Plant) Cronin  He retired as foreman from Better Formed Metals in Waterbury after many years of service, where he also met his wife Deborah. 

He was an active communicant and volunteer at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception where he and his wife participated in the many pasta dinners for Saint Mary’s School, and he helped set up the tag sale that was run for 14 years with the many donations they received.  He was known back in those days as “Saint Gil”, when Father Bevins was there (before becoming Monsignor), (as he was always doing whatever his wife asked of him).  He was such a blessing in my life.

Gil loved his mother in law Pauline and was always taking her wherever she needed to go.  One of there many trips were to the flea markets and tag sales where Gil would pick up lawn mowers, snow blowers, weed wackers, and discarded lawn mowers that said free, as the home owner said it’s not working and you can have it for parts.  He took and brought them to his garage to tinker on, and got it running.

Gil leaves his only child, a daughter Paige Cronin of Naugatuck, and his step children, Jacqueline Maringola of Waterbury, Tracy Longo of Wolcott, and Michele Maringola of Brentwood, CA; He also leaves his brother Charles Cronin and his wife Anne of Woodbury. He leaves five grandchildren, Stephanie Vivenzio and her significant other Bledar “ Billy” Medolli , Christopher Maringola, Rosalia Longo, Chloe Costa and Paxton Costa; his great grandchildren, Gaetano and Gabriella Medolli; along with several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his step son Robert R. Maringola, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday April 4, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.  Those attending are asked to please meet at the Basilica at 9:45 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Naugatuck.  Family and friends may call on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck.  To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com  Memorial donations may be made to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702.

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