PRINCETON BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY

Peter J. McCrohan, Princeton ’s former Chief of Police and eyewitness to most of the town’s last century, died peacefully at his home in Palm Coast , Florida on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008.  He was 95.

He was born on February 26, 1913 and grew up in the house his grandfather built at 209 Nassau Street .  In his youth McCrohan was a gifted athlete.  He attended St. Paul ’s School, Cathedral High in Trenton and graduated from Princeton Prep, where he captained the football and basketball teams.  He also distinguished himself at the Hun School where he rowed in a championship boat.

When the War broke out he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific over three years.  Stateside, at a USO club in Sea Girt he met Edna Morris of Manasquan.  They were married for sixty-four years.  She survives him as do his children, Mary McCrohan of San Francisco, Patti McCrohan of 209 Nassau Street and Peter McCrohan of Chestertown , Maryland .

Pete McCrohan served his hometown most of his life.  He joined the Borough Police force in 1935.  After years as a college and school basketball official, his good relations with the town’s youth led him to be appointed the Juvenile Officer in 1953.  Over the years he held every job on the force, advancing from Patrolman to Sergeant to Lieutenant.  In 1960, by unanimous choice of the Mayor and Council, he was appointed Chief, prompting Town Topics to name him “ Princeton ’s Man of the Week.”  He retired in 1973. McCrohan was a founding officer in the First Aid and Rescue Squad, originally operated by the Police Department.  He served as Commander of Princeton’s Post 76 of the American Legion.  And he was a member of Mercer Engine Company No. 3 for sixty-five years.  In retirement he frequently returned to Princeton from Florida to participate in the Firemen’s Parade.  At his death he was the oldest surviving member of the squad. Peter McCrohan had a good ear for a story and a fondness for a good time.  He had a sentimental heart and a fondness for reciting poetry, the likes of Kipling’s “Gunga Din.”

Chief Peter J. McCrohan will be celebrated in a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul ’s Church at 11 o’clock on Tuesday, November 11th, 2008.  Burial will follow at St. Paul ’s Cemetery.  Visiting hours are scheduled at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue from 6 to 9 on Monday. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Paul ’s Church, 214 Nassau St . , Princeton , NJ 08542 .

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