John Michael Cronin, was born in Carlisle, PA, on Aug 17, 1951 to Colonel John H. Cronin, Class of ’49, and Jane Craver Cronin. Mike led the typical life of an Air Force fledging, moving from base to base. At Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International School, he became fluent in French. He graduated from Fort Hunt High School, Alexandria, VA, in 1969, earning nine varsity letters, statewide recognition for his wrestling prow­ess, and selection to Boys State.

Mike entered West Point with the goal of becoming an Air Force pilot like his dad. His wrestling career was interrupted by shoulder surgery, but Mike pressed on with rehabilitation and eventually became the brigade champion. Mike liked to be called “The Wing” for several reasons, mainly for his cowlick, but also for his free spirit and Air Force future. Mike was ex­tremely well liked. His personality could only be described as lovable.

A vision problem precluded Mike from following his dream of flying, so Mike en­tered the Air Force as a finance officer, but his heart wasn’t really in it if he couldn't fly. Mike’s next stop was California, where he worked in the real estate business as both a broker and realtor. He eventually moved back to Northern Virginia where he started his own company.

George Thompson, Mike’s longtime roommate, wrote “There never seemed to be a dull moment around Mike...I will always have fond memories and mourn his death.” Jim Fuehrmeyer, his Firstie roommate, gave Mike’s eulogy. “Mike was as unique as they came. He was free spirited and seemed to be in constant motion. On the wrestling mat, he was quick, graceful, and poetic. When he won the brigade championship, it was magical.”

Duncan Hoge, ex-73, wrestled with Mike in high school. “Mike was well-liked, on and off the wrestling team; he was a leader in his class and the person you could depend on in a time of need.”

Our wrestling coach, Ron Grow, would say that he “wished he had ‘a Mike Cronin’ for each of his weight classes, because he knew his team would then go undefeated.” Mike died suddenly and unexpectedly on Jan 13, 2011. Mike is survived by his mother, sister Donna, niece Teresa and her four daughters, and nephew Michael.

Mike will remain in our thoughts and be sorely missed.

“You are in God's hands; rest in peace. I shall miss and always love you, Mike.”

—Mom & classmate, Joe Bratton

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Source: westpointaog.org