Richard D. Crosby, Jr. ’49

Richard Dudley Crosby, Jr., Col. USA, Retired

March 4, 1928 – December 29, 2015 Resided in Jacksonville, FL

COL Richard D. Crosby, Jr. (Retired) died 29 December 2015 in Jacksonville, FL. He was born 4 March 1928 to Richard D. Crosby, Sr. and Margaret Williams Crosby in Portland, ME. COL Crosby graduated from Thornton Academy (Saco, ME), received a B.S. degree from Maine Maritime Academy (Castine, ME), an M.S. degree from George Washington University (Washington, D.C.), and an Ed.D. degree from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA).

He was both a Korean War and Vietnam War Veteran, serving as a U.S. Navy aviator from 1950 to 1956, and in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1979. His military awards include the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Joint Chief of Staff Identification Badge and Army Staff Badge, United Nations Service Medal, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Aviator Badges, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal (Merchant Marine), Navy Occupation Medal (Asia), Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and Korean Service Medal.

After retirement, he worked in Graduate programs at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL and at University of Virginia Graduate Center in Falls Church, VA, eventually settling in Jacksonville, FL in 1993. COL Crosby remained active in his community, serving as an usher at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, as a Red Cross volunteer at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station Hospital pharmacy, as a representative in local high school ROTC programs, and in the Meals-on-Wheels delivery program.

He adored and cherished his family, loved his daily neighborhood walks, talking to everyone he met, and was famous for the “God Bless You” cards he handed out to everyone who touched his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and sons COL Richard D. Crosby, III (Retired) and Matthew B. Crosby. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life of 66 years, Ann McFarland Crosby; children Dr. Michael P. Crosby (Sharon) of Sarasota, FL, LTC Jonathan M. Crosby (Retired) (Diana) of Alexandria, VA, Jennifer Crosby McCormick (Patrick) of Lorton, VA, and daughter-in-law DeeDee Crosby of Woodbridge, VA; grandchildren Richard D. Crosby, IV, Andrea Crosby Young (Aaron), Moira Crosby McManus (Jonathan), Christina Crosby (Matthew Davies), Rachel Crosby Naughton, and Patrick, Andrew, Michael, & Grace McCormick; great-grandchildren Mason, Cooper, & Charleigh Young, Noah & Lily Crosby, and Liam & Jonathan Naughton; and brother Brendan Crosby.