James P. CRONIN, 90, of Wellsville, NY, died Saturday, June 6, 2026, in his home. 

Born August 10, 1935, in Wellsville, he was the son of Thomas F. and Mary C. Dunigan Cronin. On August 24, 1957, in Wellsville, he married Loretta E. “Rhett” Lee, who predeceased him on March 2, 2025. 

Jim was a lifelong parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church. He served as altar boy, eucharistic minister, and held a seat on the ICS Board of Trustees for many years. Jim enjoyed being a member of the Boy Scouts of America in his youth and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 16. 

A 1953 graduate of Wellsville High School, he attended Rochester Institute of Technology, Alfred University, and St. Bonaventure University, before being drafted into the U.S. Navy and serving from 1955 - 1957. His time in the Navy had a lasting effect on him and he loved to tell of his adventures during his stint. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he completed his degree in engineering from St. Bonaventure in 1968 by attending night classes while working at Air Preheater in Wellsville. Jim spent his entire career at the Air Preheater in sales and engineering before retiring at age 62. Jim was a member of the Lions Club. He enjoyed hunting, trap shooting, golfing, motorcycling, and spending time with his family. 

Surviving are: six daughters, Laura (Bob) Crittenden of Pittsburgh, PA, Cathy (Bill) Barnett of Sante Fe, NM, Mary Perkins of Andover, Polly (Ron) Broughton of Wellsville, Kay Cronin of Wellsville, and Connie (Ken) Langley of Albuquerque NM; a son, James (Elizabeth) Cronin, Jr. of Alfred; 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his stepmother, Mary Agnes Cronin; a son-in-law, Lawrence “Larry” Perkins; two brothers, William J. Cronin and Thomas E. Cronin; and a sister, Lavina Voorhies. 

Friends may call at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM, Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 17 Maple Ave., Wellsville, NY 14895, Allegany County Office of the Aging, 6085 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813, or Wellsville American Legion, 23 Jefferson St., Wellsville NY 14895. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.