[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO PAUL CRONIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 1997

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, at just 12 years of age, Paul Cronin knew he 
wanted to serve the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through hard work 
and dedication, Paul was able to achieve his dream. He served his 
hometown, Andover, MA, first as a Selectman and then at age 24 as a 
State Representative, making him the youngest elected official in the 
State at the time. His career in public service culminated when he was 
elected to represent the Massachusetts Fifth district in the U.S. House 
of Representatives, the seat I now hold.
  Paul Cronin passed away on April 5, 1997, at just 59 years old, after 
a lengthy battle with cancer. It was an especially sad day because just 
4 months earlier another great man from the fifth district was taken 
from us, Paul Tsongas.
  Like Tsongas, politics did not consume Cronin's life. Paul Cronin 
gave unselfishly of himself to his community. He was particularly proud 
of his long association with the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club, which 
named its new girls' gym for his mother, Anna Marie Cronin, only after 
Paul declined the honor for himself.
  His career and personal life were marked by optimism and achievement 
and he faced death as he faced life, with dignity, courage, and 
perseverance.

                          ____________________