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.



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William J. Nolan Obituary Ret. Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner, CFD; Loving husband of the late Lynn, nee Phelan; Devoted father of William CFD (Kaitlin), Kerry (Rich) Baudo, Amy Nolan Hill, Kate (Frank) Mullaghy, Mike (Kelly), and Dan CFD (Jen); Proud “Pop Pop” of Nolan, late Leighton, Quinn, Avery, Addison, Parker, Ryann, Logan, Alaina, Kieran, Faelynn, Emma, Graeme, and Stella; Dear brother of Mary Kay (late Bob) Pullen, Carol (Bill) Smith, and Jack (Margaret) Nolan; Beloved brother-in-law, uncle, and friend of many; Longtime member of the Hamburg Athletic Association; Visitation Sunday 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Funeral Monday, 9:00 a.m. from Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St. Chicago Ridge, IL to St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Dr. Chicago, IL; Mass 10:00 a.m.; Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery; In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mount Sion Program – Brother Rice High School www.brotherrice.org would be appreciated; For Funeral info (708) 422-2700, or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.




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James H. “Jim” Schmidt, 78, of Abrams, WI died peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at the Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, WI. He was born in Chicago on March 9, 1947, the son of the late James F. and Irene (Watts) Schmidt. He was a lifelong resident of Chicago until his retirement. Jim graduated from Leo High School in 1965. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Christine (nee Jarosz) Schmidt, his son James (Malorie) Schmidt and his sweet grandson, Edison. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His loving sister Claudia (Jim) Klipp and brother, Dave (Cindy) Schmidt. Dear uncle to Paul & Scott Klipp and James & Kristen Schmidt. Jim served his country honorably during the Vietnam War (1966-1968) earning the rank of SP5 – Specialist in explosives. His service included the Tet Offensive conflict in 1968, sweeping for mines on roads and trails and demolition of enemy bridges. He also flew to landing zones in Huey helicopters and often jumped out of hovering helicopters. After his military service, he worked for AT&T telephone company in Chicago for several years. He then joined the Chicago Police Department where he worked as a patrolman for almost 30 years, mostly in the 10th District where he developed many close friendships with his fellow police brothers. During that time, he earned his bachelor degree in Criminal Justice at St. Xavier University. Following his retirement from the CPD at age 53, he and his family moved to the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where they resided in Felch, near Iron Mountain Mi. for 22 ears. There he enjoyed the best retirement of his life…living in the woods, woodworking, fishing, hunting and traveling with his family all over the U.P. He also enjoyed reading, especially history of the Civil War and WWI and WWII. He loved watching his son play high school football and basketball. He adored his Golden Retriever dogs. He was known as a man of few words and when he spoke, people would listen. He had a great sense of humor and was known for his uproarious laugh. He was very close to his dearest friends: Patrick and Judy Steinbrecher, the late John Bugner, John Szostak, and Bob & Virginia Major. Also, thanks to Randy Oman who often kept an eye on Jim in the woods. Memorial visitation Friday, November 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m. until time of Service 1:00 p.m. at the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL. Interment private In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnel to Towers or DAV would be appreciated. Please leave a memory for the family on Jim’s Tribute Wall; your stories will bring comfort to his family. www.sheehyfh.com 708-857-7878.
Ivan Jovanovich Obituary.

Flier attached:

From the CPD Daily bulletin 13 Nov. 2025.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED!

Samuel G. Lynch ............. 1969.

Frank G. Rappaport. ....... 1969.

SPECIAL EVENT!

All Department members, especially those navigating loss during the holidays, are invited to attend “A Day of Remembrance” Today, November 13th from 1pm-3pm at PSHQ in the Multipurpose Room. During this non-denominational memorial, EAP and the Wellness Unit will be on hand to offer support and a music therapy session designed to provide comfort. You are encouraged to bring a framed photo of any deceased relatives or friends to place on a memorial table as part of this reflective time. Please see AMC 330106 for attached flyer or contact: michelle.dertz@chicagopolice.org for more information.

RETIREMENT CAKE AND COFFEE!

Det. James “Jimmie” Gallagher P.O. Mike Iglesias 13 November 25 • 1200hrs Homan Square-5th Floor P.F.I.

Detra Gross 13 November 25 • 1230-1400 h