INFORMATION FROM PHIL HASKETT (RET)

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Legendary Chicago policeman, Michael Cronin, passed away on November 9th, 2025, after a long illness. He was 81. Michael worked Chicago’s West Side for 35 years when the West Side had one of the highest concentrated crime rates in the world. On the street he was feared and respected among the West Side Gangs as he was relentless and never gave up. He became a Gang Specialist, Commander-Gang Crimes unit and then Deputy Chief Gang Crimes and Narcotics. Post retirement Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed him to be a civilian advisor to the Gang and Narcotics units. Michael was born on Chicago’s North Side to Irish immigrant parents Michael and Mary Cronin. Growing up in St. Gertrude’s Parish, there were kids everywhere and the kids called him “Sam”. From an early age, he loved sports, especially football, and his determination and stubbornness made him tough on and off the field. In 1962, he earned a spot on the All-City Catholic Football Team. After high school, he continued playing football with the Monaco Colts and baseball with the Playboys. Like many of his friends, Michael dreamed of becoming a cop. When his best friend, Jerry Hanrahan, was killed in Vietnam, Michael joined the Marines. Just three days before his 25th birthday, he stepped on a booby trap, which left him temporarily blinded and caused severe injuries to his left foot. Although he regained his sight, his left foot had to be amputated, and his dream of becoming a Chicago police officer was over. At the urging of his friend Joe Mackey, who was serving on Mayor Richard J. Daley’s security detail, Michael decided to take the written exam for the Chicago Police Department. He passed, and soon after, he completed the physical and agility tests. In 1971, he entered the Police Academy and went on to become one of the best policemen in Chicago. Known for his relentless dedication and skill, Michael earned 22 department commendations, 171 honorable mentions, and 25 letters of appreciation. His career was featured in a Chicago Tribune Magazine article displayed at the Police Academy and later became the subject of the book On the Street Doing Life: The West Side of Chicago Through the Eyes of a Cop Called Cronie by former Tribune reporter and dear friend Anne Keegan. In retirement, Michael enjoyed riding his bike, playing pickleball and bocce ball, relaxing in northern Wisconsin and wintering in Florida. He is survived by his sister, Joanne Michals; his brother, Jim (Karen) Cronin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary Cronin; his brother, Dennis “Frank” (Juanita) Cronin; his sister, Mary (John) Meis; his brother-in-law, Dennis Michals; and his cherished friend, Pam Risley. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 3:00-8:00 pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago. Funeral Tuesday 9:00am from the funeral home to St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 1420 W. Granville Ave, Chicago for Mass at 10:00am. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, 1407 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago IL 60607, or online at https://cpdmemorial.org. Obituary information for Michael J. Cronin.

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Eva Gross, nee Sulc, of Cicero, age 74. Beloved wife of Clarence Gross; loving mother of Rhonda (James) Kosenesky and step-mother of Kenneth (Danna) Gross; proud Granny of Madison, Mia and Mason Kosenesky; Caitlin Felde and Connor and Delaney Gross; dear sister of Peter (Linda) Pavlu and the late Carl Pavlu; sister-in-law of Barbara Nickel; fond aunt of Jeff (Kathy) and Kurt (Dana) Pavlu; Rebecca (Patrick), Heidi and Renee Pavlu and Kimberly Mehta. Eva retired after 28 years as a Deputy Sheriff for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department. She loved her Chinese Shar-Pei dogs; enjoyed playing slots and was known for her potato salad. Family and friends will be received at the Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 2921 Harlem Ave., Berwyn on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A visitation will be held Monday, November 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Chapel Service 11:00 a.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Obituary for Eva Gross | Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
AND…

23 Nov. 25. Thanksgiving Mass!

Flier attached:

From the CPD Daily bulletin 14 Nov. 2025.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED!

George W. Thompson ...... 1925

Robert R. Golden………….. 1956

John J. Gilhooly .............. 1969

DEATH NOTICES.

Passed away 07 November 2025 WEBSTER J. BROWN II, father of Field Training Officer Anthony Brown assigned to Training and Support Group. •

Passed away 08 November 2025 VINKO DJONLICH, father of Police Officer Joseph Djonlich assigned to Airport Operations-North.

Passed away 09 November 2025 RETIRED DEPUTY CHIEF MICHAEL J. CRONIN, formerly assigned to Narcotics and Vice Investigations. •

Passed away 10 November 2025 ROBERT CHAVEZ, father of Police Officer Anthony Chavez assigned to District 024. •

Passed away 10 November 2025 JESSE HENNING, father of Police Officer Percy Henning assigned to Detached Services.

SPECIAL EVENT!

The Special Activities Section is once again coordinating efforts for the Police Department’s involvement in “Chicago Gives”. This year, we are requesting that each District participate by giving at least 5 unwrapped gifts (no stuffed animal, guns, knives, or liquids e.g. bubbles please) for children ages infant to 14 years of age. Additionally, we are requesting that units participate by donating a minimum of one unwrapped gift. ALL BUREAUS, UNITS AND DISTRICT ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE. These unwrapped gifts should be brought to the Special Activities Section (4th floor Southwest Headquarters) by 1500 hours on 02 December 2025. On Friday, 05 December 2025, Gold Star Family Members will be participating in the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, and they will be wrapping all the donated gifts. We thank you in advance for helping to create holiday magic for children in domestic violence shelters. We are hoping to surpass the generosity expressed last year when we delivered over 1,000 gifts to shelters. The Superintendent will light the tree at noon in the multi-Purpose room of the Public Safety Headquarters along the Gold Badge Families. Districts and Unit reps should contact 5-5823 or 0207 on the Pax with any questions about drop-off.