Former Minnechaug athlete CJ Cronin leaves a legacy of joy: ‘he affected everyone in a positive way’

The outpouring of love and memories shared following CJ Cronin’s death is a testament to the extraordinary life he lived.

CJ, who died on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at just 20 years old, leaves a legacy of friendship, determination and joy that touched everyone he met.

He was a multi-sport athlete at Minnechaug Regional High School, where he graduated in 2022. At the time of his death, he was a junior at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business in Boston, his dream school. .

CJ is survived by his parents, Christopher and Pam, and his two sisters, ages 22 and 16, who also share his love of sports. His passing has left a deep void in his community, but the love and laughter he provided lives on.

A multi-sport student athlete with a big heart.

CJ was not only known for his athleticism but also for his remarkable kindness and humility.

A standout in football, basketball and track, he became an All-Western Mass. wide receiver as a junior before his senior season was cut short by a torn ACL. Despite his injury, he remained a constant presence on the bench, supporting his teammates with his trademark humor and unwavering encouragement.

“He was just a great teammate to everyone,” said Josh Kozub, a former teammate and close friend, “regardless of whether he was on the field or whether he was making plays or not.”

Another teammate and friend, James Jolicoeur, described CJ as someone who “always was himself,” adding that he “affected everyone in a positive way and you could never hear anyone say anything bad about him.”

CJ’s presence was unforgettable both on and off the field, he quickly became the emotional core of the team.

“CJ was like a light,” said Ryan McConnel, another close friend. “He definitely brought that energy and was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and any of us have ever met. “He was just comic relief, as well as someone you could lean on and talk to.”

His love of learning and adventure led him to Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business, where he majored in business and developed his passion for film during his major.

CJ’s talent for storytelling and comedy found a home at a Boston comedy club, where he worked while balancing his studies. During his freshman year, he studied abroad in Scotland at the University of Glasgow, where he played on the school’s basketball team and forged lifelong friendships.

“During COVID, when some players didn’t want to compete anymore, CJ was right behind me,” Minnechaug football coach Nickerson said. “He really was a person who just wanted to make people’s lives better.”

But his generous spirit shone brightest in the way he cared for his family.

For her mother’s 50th birthday last year, CJ gave her large framed photographs of each of her children, a heartfelt gift she continues to treasure. His father fondly recalled when CJ saved money to surprise him with a snowplow while he was in Scotland, knowing he would need help clearing snow after injuring his arm.

For Cronin Sr., CJ’s strength of character and selflessness were a source of deep admiration.

“I was always in awe of him,” Cronin Sr. said. “He is a better version of me. “I’m amazed at the things he was able to do that I couldn’t.”

A community united in pain

Two days after his death, more than 20 friends arrived at the Cronin family home with flowers, food and a poster board filled with photos of CJ and his friends.

As they sat together, sharing stories and comforting each other, the warmth of the community softened the weight of their loss.

“It was really a heartwarming moment in such a desperate time for us,” Cronin Sr. said. “So, we’re grateful to all those young people who came out and did that for us.”

The magnitude of CJ’s impact was evident at his funeral, where hundreds of mourners traveled more than 30 minutes from the funeral site to pay their respects.

“The priest who did the burial had been working at that place for over 15 or 20 years and said he had never seen so many people venture into a burial site, which shows the impact it had and how many people wanted to be there not. not only for him, but also for his family,” Kozub said.

Honoring his legacy

Minnechaug Football is working to honor CJ’s legacy with a scholarship in his name, special helmet decals and the return of the “Crazy Hat Day” tradition he loved so much.

To contribute to the memorial scholarship in CJ’s honor, send a check to WHSF, PO Box 441, Wilbraham, MA 01095, with “CJ Cronin” written in the note.

For other payment methods, donors can visit the Wilbraham Hampden Scholarship Foundation WebsiteClick the online donation link and include “CJ Cronin” in the message section.