Richard J. D. Cron

MORRISTOWN: Richard John Donald Cron, 96, of Morrisville died peacefully on April 22, 2024, at The Manor in Morrisville. He passed to Amazing Grace, played by a close staff member as the family held his hands and joined in song.

Richard was born on May 18, 1927, in Brooklyn, NY to the late Francis and Elizabeth (Brown)

Cron. Richard lived in Brooklyn NY until moving to Wolcott VT in his teens. He proudly joined

the military at a tender age to serve during WW II. He was bilingual in German and English,

which allowed him to spread his joy abroad. Richard married after his return. He and his first

wife were blessed with 2 children, John and Deborah.

Richard was employed for 37 years as a psychiatric technician supervisor at the Vermont State

Hospital in Waterbury and retired in the mid-90s. Over the years, Richard was involved in many.

community organizations. Among them were the Vermont State Grange #233 where he was a

member and officer, the Vermont State Employees Credit Union where he served on the board,

and the American Legion #33 where he served as a former Commander. After his long-time

partner, Phyllis Fitzgerald, passed at The Manor, Richard volunteered there for more than a

decade prior to becoming a resident, building strong community bonds with staff and residents.

in the facility. He took his civic duties and volunteer opportunities seriously and with great and

humble joy.

Richard loved God, life, music, and many friends and family. He laughed easy, befriended.

everyone he met, made a point to bring others joy, and never hesitated to selflessly lend a

helping hand. Those who were close to him enjoyed the many stories he would tell of his life,

one of his favorites being of meeting Emmett Kelly, a professional clown in New York City, who

inspired him to become a clown, bringing joy to residents at the State Hospital and The Manor.

Richard spent 45 years with his life partner, Phyllis Fitzgerald, who predeceased him in 2010.

They loved playing cards, camping at Lake Eden, and traveling. Together they explored the

USA, including Alaska and Hawaii. They had a particular affinity for Old Orchard Beach in

Maine. They also visited Mexico, Belgium, Paris, Iceland, Scotland, England, and the Virgin

Islands, among other places abroad. Phyllis and Richard enjoyed the company of many friends.

He especially enjoyed his time with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Richard was particularly fond of his great granddaughter, Allison, to whom he routinely offered refuge, selflessly taking a valued caregiving role and fostering a special bond.

Survivors include his son John Cron (Audrey) of Morrisville; son-in-law, Bill Smith of Waterbury;

and 2 grandsons, Bill Smith Jr. of Jay, and Brian Smith of Buffalo, NY. Richard is also survived

by Phyllis' son, Bill Fitzgerald of Morrisville; grandchildren, Barbara (Kevin) Clark of Radford,

VA, Debra Fitzgerald of Altima Springs, FL, and Scott Fitzgerald of Hyde Park; great grand

daughters, Katie Cochran of Newport, Allison VanNorden of Morrisville and Emma Fitzgerald of

Morrisville; as well as great, great grandchildren.

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Richard was predeceased by a daughter, Deborah Smith in 2004; and life partner, Phyllis

Fitzgerald in 2010.

Graveside Services will be held at 1PM on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Lakeview Cemetery,

Cady's Falls Road, in Morrisville, officiated by Pastor Lorenba Dunkin.

A celebration of Life will immediately follow at the VFW in Morrisville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to the Lamoille Community

Food Share, PO Box 173 Morrisville, VT 05661.

Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com