Todd Allen Cronin

Todd Allen Cronin

Survived by his Mother Pauline(Polly)Hoeksema of Florida, two sisters Michelle Salee of Arizona, Wendy Hoeksema of Florida, a nephew Allen Salee of Arizona, ex-wife Sheryl Hensel, close friends and his extended family.

Todd graduated from Portage Northern High School In Michigan. He enjoyed playing sports including football and baseball, but definitely excelled in baseball. He was one of the top pitchers for the school and in little league, he was instrumental in the huge success of both. Having 3 shutouts in his last 4 Championship games of his final All Star Season.

After graduation Todd went on to Ohio Diesel tech to become a Diesel mechanic, but never lost his love for baseball. He moved to Florida to start his career with Rosin Purina. He was contacted by a scout for the minor leagues to play baseball for the local Florida team. Within a short time he was offered the opportunity to play for the Philadelphia Phillies or the Chicago White Sox.

He made the tough decision to continue his career as a Diesel mechanic. Also, moving on to work for AAA Cooper and Yellow Freight Lines he    ended his long time career with FedEx Freight, where he spent the last 25 years as a truck driver and a valuable part of the FedEx team.

Todd was married to Sheryl Hensel of Reed City, Michigan and even after their divorce some years later they still remained great friends.

He remained a die hard fan of the Detroit Lions, with the hopes that one day they would make him proud.  He’ll be cheering them on hoping for a Superbowl from above.

If you were in need of directions Todd knew more than one way to get you to your destination. If there was construction or a traffic accident, just call and he could re-route you before we had GPS. He always could tell you the best place to go for your favorite food, and where to stay away from, Todd loved to eat.  He even wanted to get platters as dinner plates!

If there was ever an award to be given for the person who moved more people, Todd definitely won that one. You only had to ask.  We all need a helping hand now and again and Todd always was ready to lend one or two.

He helped anyone he could if he saw the true need. Just to name a few that come to mind. He was in the Gulf of Mexico playing on his jet ski’s with a friend, when they saw a small plane crash into the water. He jump off the jet ski, swam over, and was able to pull the man from the wreckage before it sank. He was also crucial in saving a man’s life after a serious motorcycle accident with a pick up truck. The family knows there were numerous times he would pull alligators and snakes out of the road so people could pass.

The one alligator story that really is amazing is the time he was on Sanibel Island driving by an elementary playground with children out for recess. The principal flagged him down to help two police officers with an alligator that was on the playground filled with children. Todd jump into action throwing a hand towel over its eyes and jumping on its back. Instructed the police officers to tape the alligators front and back legs together.  Always helping others in any situation. A hurricane is coming Todd would secure his own place then reach out to help family, friends and anyone else who needed a hand.

One of Todd’s favorite things to do every year was travel to Sandusky, Ohio to go to his favorite amusement park, Cedar Point. He made it 32 years without missing a year before the streak was broken. The Blue Streaks last run had Todd on it and broke only to be demolished later that year.

Todd was always fond of riding motorcycles, but after an accident years ago he gave it up for a while, however in the past few years he rekindled that love of riding. He loved to go out on his Harley and ride with friends. Enjoying weekend trips to the Key’s and even a vacation to the Dakota’s.

Anyone who knew him knew how he loved his family, his sisters Michelle and Wendy, and his nephew Allen. Even if you were just an acquaintance  you had heard or knew how much he loved his mother (Polly). Todd would call his mother almost every day, sometimes twice a day, to tell her he loved her and to make sure she didn’t need anything. In a day and age where most of us are to busy to call our parents once a week, Todd made the time because it was that important to him.

He took time to say or joke with a stranger and had an amazing sense of humor and a smile that would cheer a room. He was a special friend to us all, a true guardian of good in a world that can seem so bad. May he rest in peace finally.

TODD ALLEN CRONIN Soul, Spirit and Hero will be missed by all who truly knew and loved him.  We love you, Toddy Waddy Poddy.

The family would like to invite you to a Life Celebration at the Nauti Parrot, 19001 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, 33931.  May 4th from 1-4pm. We will be sharing stories and love for Todd. Appetizers and soft drinks will be provided. There is a bar and full menu for those who’d like anything additional, at your own expense.