John Cronopulos of Springs, who had a long and fruitful career as a TV advertising executive, died on Nov. 7 at Newport Hospital in Rhode Island. He was 83 and had been ill for a short time with complications of a recent surgery.
He began his career in 1968 as a trainee with Ted Bates & Co. and later moved to the BBDO and Wells Rich Greene advertising agencies. In 1974, when TV news was expanding with the launch of programs like "World News Tonight," "Nightline," and "20/20," Mr. Cronopulos was recruited by ABC to become director of network news sales.
A decade later, he transitioned to the USA Network and eventually reached the role of vice president of sports advertising sales and special events, for which he managed clients including the U.S. Open, the French Open, the Masters, and the Ryder Cup.
In May of 1986, he married Meg Ventura, who survives.
Mr. Cronopulos was a lifelong fan of the New York Giants, often attending games with his father. He also was known to take his mother to Broadway matinees and was a season-ticket holder to the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet. He was a member of the New York Athletic Club for 48 years, and his affinity for burgundy led to his becoming a Chevalier du Tastevin with the Fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasters Cup.
He was born in Manhattan on April 7, 1940, to Photos Cronopulos and the former Lucia Comninos, and grew up on the Upper West Side. He attended Martin Van Buren High School in Queens and graduated with a degree in economics from New York University's School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance, now known as N.Y.U. Stern.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Cronopulos leaves two children, Anissa Raiford of Seminole, Fla., and John Francis Cronopulos of Hong Kong, as well as a grandchild, a great-grandchild, and 20 nieces and nephews.
He was cremated. A memorial service will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Astoria, Queens, on Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m. His family has suggested memorial donations to the New York Athletic Club Athletes Fund, online at nyac.org.
