CRONIN, Ronald J. "Ron", Lt. Brookline Fire Dept. (ret.) of Needham, formerly of Brookline, passed away suddenly on April 17, 2021. Loving father of John of Minneapolis, MN, Mariah of Burlington, VT., and Liam Cronin of Needham. Devoted son of the late James J. Cronin and his wife Maureen. Dear brother to Maureen Mayotte, Pauline Maturo, Katie Weinger, Robert Cronin, and the late Rick Cronin. Also survived by his aunts, many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Known as a "Mover and a Shaker", Ron was passionate about traveling, American and Irish history, running and hiking, renovating historic buildings, Cape Cod, and most of all spending time with his family. He will be well remembered by all of the lives he touched for his many qualities including his bravery, compassion, strong work ethic, and - maybe most notably - his overflowing personality. Visiting hours will be held in the Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home, 376 Washington St., Brookline on Thursday from 3:00 – 7:00. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning at 11:00 in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Brookline. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. (COVID-19 guidelines will be followed in both the funeral home and church, please limit time in the funeral home allowing others to visit.) To livestream the funeral please visit www.stmarybrookline.com/virtual-mass-and-services and follow the directions. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Ron's name may be made to The Samaritans, 41 West St., Boston, MA. 02111 or www.samaritanshope.org