David (Dave) C. Cronin, 79, of Satellite Beach, Florida, and formerly of Richmond, South Burlington and Shelburne, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on February 10, 1946, in Burlington, VT, Dave was the beloved son of Marion (Lynch) and William Cronin. He attended Richmond Elementary and Richmond High Schools. Dave earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Vermont. In 1969, he enlisted in the Vermont National Guard for seven years. On November 8, 1969, Dave married Janet Carpenter, the love of his life. Although their love story began all the way back in the third grade, they recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Dave was a devoted husband, brother, uncle, friend, and teacher whose generous spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Dave was an educator at heart. His thirty-two year career started in Bennington, VT as an elementary physical education teacher, as well as assistant varsity basketball coach at Mt. Anthony Union High School. Dave’s longest tenure was as a middle school teacher at Charlotte Central School in Charlotte, VT. He loved teaching math and science, as well as directing the middle school plays. Frequently, Dave refereed soccer and basketball games for Charlotte Central as well as the South Burlington Recreation leagues. Outside of the classroom, he found joy in singing and playing the guitar, acting and singing on stage with Lyric Theatre, golfing, playing bridge, reading and traveling. Dave will be remembered for his unwavering optimism, his sense of humor, and his genuine love for family and friends.

Dave is survived by his wife, Janet. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Marvin Carpenter, wife, Laura, of Indialantic, FL; sister-in-law, Brenda Carpenter of Williston, VT; and brother-in-law, Thomas Carpenter, wife, Susan, of Richmond, VT.

He was cherished by his nieces and nephews; Wesley Carpenter of Richmond, VT; Mallory Morrison, husband, Jamie, of Starksboro, VT; Cayce Ludwar, husband, Michael, of Chelmsford, MA; Corey LaTulippe, wife, Shania, of West Palm Beach, FL; Lindsey Burnett, husband, Chris, of Williston, VT; Chelsea Carpenter, husband, Cody Mazza, of Williston, VT.

Dave was also adored by many great-nieces, and great-nephews; Aiden, Calleigh and Riley Carpenter; Connor, Gavin and Liam Morrison; Jacob, Cooper and Max Ludwar; Ellie, Charlotte and Corley LaTulippe; Maddi, Raegan and Mckenzie Burnett.

Dave was very much loved and admired by his sister, Sheila Cariani of Cary, NC; nephews John Cariani, husband, John Lloyd, of Bronx, NY; and Jeff Cariani of Apex, NC, as well as great-nephews, Isaac and Henry Cariani; his brother, Michael Cronin, wife, Penny of Greensboro, NC; and his sister-in-law, Ruth Cronin of St. Albans, VT.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Marion and William Cronin; his sister, Mary Ellen Cronin; his brother, Robert Cronin; his brother-in-law, Paul Cariani; his mother and father-in-law, Patricia and Wesley Carpenter; and his brother-in-law, Paul Carpenter.

On February 20, 2026 at 11:00AM a Celebration of Life will take place at Canova Beach Park, Irene H. Canova Park, 3299 HWY A1A, Indian Harbor Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Forever A Hero, a program close to our hearts that recognized a veteran’s service for Dave’s family and friends for our country. Donations can be completed online at hf.org/give or by check mailed to: Health First Foundation, 1350 South Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL 32901. Please mention this contribution in memory of David Cronin.

In the summer/fall of 2026 there will be a Celebration of Life for Dave in Vermont. The donation will be the same or a charity of one’s choice.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all of Dave’s caregivers at Cape Canaveral Hospital, Cocoa Beach, Florida, with special appreciation to his ICU nurse, Joe, Deacon Tom, and hospice social worker, Anne Marie, as well as Dave’s longtime primary care physician, Dr. Angela Aboutanos, for their unwavering and compassionate support.