Albert Arlington 'Sunny' Cronin Sr.
WACO, TEXAS - Al Cronin ("Sunny") went on to his eternal home during his sleep on March 8, 2013, in Waco, Texas.
He was the first of two children born to Dollie (Barrett) Cronin and Paul Arlington Cronin in Lawrenceville, W.Va., on April 10, 1932, and he spent the first 35 years of his life in Chester. Al was part of the 1950 graduating class of Chester High School, where he was also a band member. His fondness for music was seen throughout his life as he led singing at many of the churches he attended.
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Albert Arlington ‘Sunny’ Cronin Sr.
Al's work life began as a ware boy at the Edwin Knowles Pottery in Newell, W.Va., where he worked for 11 years before becoming a general contractor and eventual owner of Chester Home Improvement. In 1967, he moved his family to Tucson, Ariz., where he continued his general contracting, Cronin & Sons, until his retirement. Afterward, Al moved to acreage outside Willcox, Ariz., where he built a home and resided until relocating to Waco in 2010.
Al was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Clark Cronin.
Al is survived by his half-sister, Carolyn Eden of Hollister, Fla.; five children: Albert "Cork" Jr. (Debbie) of Oklahoma City; Richard "Rick" of Tucson, Ariz.; William "Tim" (Shannon) of Lautertal, Germany; David (Julaine) of Waco; and Amy Hosterman of East Liverpool, Ohio. In addition, Sunny had 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grand children. A memorial service was held March 13 in Bellmead, Texas.
The Bellmead Funeral Home, 809 LaClede St., Bellmead, Texas, was in charge of the arrangements.
