David Cromwell

David A. Cromwell, Manahawkin

David A. Cromwell, 75, son of Kenneth and Erna Cromwell, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2017, surrounded by his family.  Born and raised in Princeton, he later resided in Hamilton, Robbinsville and retired to Manahawkin.  He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Notre Dame High School, class of 1961, where he was recently inducted into the Notre Dame Hall of Fame.   He then served four years in the US Navy aboard the destroyers USS Rooks and USS Bordelon, before attending Rider College to study Criminal Justice.

David’s dream job to serve on the Princeton Township Police Force came true in 1968 after graduating first in his class at the NJ Police Academy.  He rose to the rank of Captain and retired in 1995 after receiving two awards of valor and being named Policeman of the Year by the American Legion. David spent his entire adult life in community service as a fireman with Princeton Fire Company, 31 years with the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad as a line officer and after retirement served as treasurer of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Company.  He was a volunteer in the emergency room of Southern Ocean Medical Center and as an IT enthusiast taught basic computer skills to senior citizens.  David held licenses for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter, and he also enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled planes and helicopters. As an active member of First United Methodist Church in Beach Haven Terrace he served as Treasurer for ten years.   He was a former member of Peddie Golf Course and the Myrtle Beach Golf Club and was pleased to have had 3 holes-in-one.  He had a lifelong passion for poker and took people’s money whenever he could.

David is survived by his wife, Carol Linda Cromwell, sons William Kenneth Cromwell (Gayle), Jason Douglas Cromwell (Michelle), and four grandchildren, Adam, Paige, Mason and Ryan; his brother, Robert Cromwell (Rosa) and his sister, Kim Cromwell (Kath), as well as nieces, nephews and their spouses.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017, 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 101 E. New Jersey Avenue, Beach Haven Terrace, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church.