Scuba Diving club,
Southern California
Sea Sabres
Scuba Industry Mourns
Loss of Icon John J. Cronin
RSM, CA – 16 July, 2003.
The diving industry today is mourning the loss of the man who introduced more
than 10 million people into the sport of scuba diving. John J. Cronin,
co-founder and CEO of PADI, The Professional Association of Diving Instructors,
died yesterday at his home in Temecula, California at the age of 74. Cronin,
one of the most influential men in the diving industry and current President of
The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) would have completed his
50th year in the industry next year.
A native of Albany, New
York, John joined the Marine Corps where he served from 1947-1948 being
recalled to service in the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1952. In 1959, John
accepted the position of East Coast Promotions Manager for U.S. Divers Company
in New York City. In 1964, John became the first person in the history of the
diving industry to surpass wholesale sales of $1 million dollars. Rising
rapidly through the ranks, John was promoted to Marketing Director in March of
1969. Later that same year, he was appointed CEO and then President of U.S.
Divers, a position he held until his retirement in September of 1985.
While attending a diving
banquet in December of 1961, John met Ralph Erickson, a professional educator.
A friendship immediately developed, and over the next several years their
concept of a new, professional diver training organization was developed, this
was PADI. In 1966, Cronin, in conjunction with Erickson, formalized the Professional
Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI, as it is known today.
Thanks to John’s
leadership, PADI, is currently recognized as the largest single entity in the
diving industry with retail sales in excess of $250 million. PADI has offices
in 7 countries, over 100,000 individual members and 4,600 Retail and Resort
locations located in 175 countries worldwide. In 2000, PADI issued its 10
millionth diving certification.
Cronin served on the board
of the DEMA from 1971 until 1993, at one point being the President, and again
elected as President in 1999, 2000, and 2002. He gave his time unselfishly in
promoting the industry and the sport championing new diver acquisition,
retailer, resort, and manufacturer growth, and fighting legislation that would
negatively impact the industry.
Cronin was also heavily
active in politics being actively involved with Republican candidates at the
local, state, and federal levels for over 20 years. He raised millions of
dollars while serving as the treasurer or finance chairman for over 60
campaigns, including several for former Governor Pete Wilson of California and
past Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Cronin are presently pending.
For questions or more
detailed information, please contact,
Bob Coleman
Director of Marketing
PADI Americas
+1 949 858-7234 x 2538
bobc@padi.com
Posted July 17, 2003