Paul J. Cronin

Seabrook – Paul J. Cronin, 86, of Seabrook passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was born June 14, 1940 in Lynn, MA the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Hay) Cronin. He was a graduate of: St. John’s School in Swampscott, MA, St. Mary’s Boys High School, Lynn, MA with the Class of 1958 and received his Associate Degree in Law Enforcement from Northeastern University. He was a veteran serving with the United States Army from 1960-1963, serving as a communications specialist in the Vietnam-era, and received an honorable discharge in 1967 from the US Army Reserves. Upon return from the Army, he found Kathleen (Fallon), they married on February 20, 1965 in Swampscott, MA. They shared 61 years, a marriage of love, support and adventure. Paul was employed by New England Telephone Company from 1965 to 1970. Additionally, he joined as a summer part time patrolman walking the beat around B & C Streets off Ocean Blvd in Hampton. He became a full time Police Officer for the Town of Hampton in 1970 where he reached the position of Detective Sargent. Paul was chief of police for the town of Hillsboro, from 1974-1979 and was the first non-elected chief of police in Seabrook, from 1979-1982 under a new town charter. He worked for NH Yankee at the Seabrook Power Plant from 1982-1986. He then returned to the chief of police position in Seabrook in 1986 and retired in 2003. Paul served the communities with patience, integrity and courage. From his earliest days as a patrolman to his work as a detective, prosecutor, and ultimately chief he was known for his wonderful sense of humor. Paul and Kathy captained their boat the “Blue Warrior” out of Amesbury for over fifteen years. They very much loved to travel to the American west. A highlight of their travels was taking each of their eight grandchildren on individual trips out west to “see the buffalo”. Always a generous man, Paul welcomed Kathy’s mother, Mary Virginia Fallon into their home for 23 years. Paul gave back as a member of Post 32 American Legion, by supporting Operation Care for Troops out of Nashua, and enjoyed being a Pease Greeter. He was pleased to see citizens support troops, as it did not happen when he served. He was a lifetime member of the NH Chiefs of Police, lifetime member of International Chiefs of Police, as well as served the town of Seabrook on the budget committee for two terms. In addition to his wife, he leaves three children, Michael Cronin and his wife Heidi of North Hampton, Elizabeth Cronin of North Hampton, and David Cronin of Exeter, eight grandchildren as well as four great grandchildren with a namesake due in September. Paul was a positive influence in the life of his nephew, Greg and his children, Luke and Sallie. He also leaves behind two sisters, Jane Murphy, husband Raymond and Elaine Noury and husband Lee, all of Leland, NC. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister, Sallie Ann Squire. The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated hospice team for their compassionate care. We are also profoundly thankful to the Veterans Affairs staff for their commitment and assistance, honoring Paul’s service with dignity and respect. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Monday, June 29, 2026 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, Hampton. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, June 30th at St. André Bessette Parish, Amesbury. Burial will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, Seabrook. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Paul J. Cronin

June 14, 1940 - June 21, 2026