Del Rey Oaks Council Member Bill Ragsdale-Cronin passes away

DEL REY OAKS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The City of Del Rey Oaks announced Friday the passing of Council Member Bill Ragsdale-Cronin after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

According to the city, Cronin passed away on Wednesday after working in public service for 40 years.

Cronin’s service with the city began as the Planning Commission from 2021 to 2023 before he was appointed to the City Council in 2023, according to the City of Del Rey Oaks.

The city says that during Cronin's tenure as a council member, he sat on various boards and commissions, including Monterey One Water--where he had worked prior for 40 years--and the City Finance Committee. While at Monterey One Water, the city says that he was an integral part of making sure that the Monterey Bay Sanctuary was protected from waste waters.

After he retired, the city says that Cronin served for seven years as the maintenance supervisor at Santa Catalina School.

"Bill was a devoted public servant and colleague. His contributions to our city and his dedication to improving the lives of our residents will not be forgotten," said Mayor Scott Donaldson. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Susan, his daughters, and his extended family during this difficult time."

The city is confirming that Cronin's seat will remain unfilled until after the November 5 general election.

A celebration of Cronin's life will be held at Bass Lake at his family's cabin on November 29 at 11:30 a.m. and anyone is welcome to come.

The city says that the family is asking for privacy at this time, but that cards can be dropped off at City Hall.