Robert Deacon Crossley, 81, of Southbury, CT and formerly of Queensbury, NY, died Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT. He was the husband of Ruth Ann (Eastlack) Crossley.
Mr. Crossley was born on March 27, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Robert and Alice (Deacon) Crossley. He graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Brooklyn, NY, in 1948 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Syracuse University in 1954. In 1956, Mr. Crossley earned a Master's Degree in Forestry from Syracuse. While at Syracuse, he served in the R.O.T.C. Mr. Crossley served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1957 in Pensacola, Florida. During that time, he flew SNJ's and attained the rank of ensign. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1957.
From 1957-1997, Mr. Crossley was employed at the International Paper Company at various locations throughout New York State. Throughout his life, Mr. Crossley was an avid outdoor enthusiast, with a passion for swimming, hiking, camping and canoeing. He had a great sense of adventure and loved his family and pets.
In addition to his wife of 60 years Ruth Ann, he is survived by his daughter Pamela C. Smith and her husband Matthew A. Smith of Mesa, Arizona, his son Douglas R. Crossley and his wife Brenda Crossley of Roxbury, his son Brian E. Crossley and his wife Cheri Crossley of Bridgewater, and grandchildren Elizabeth Smith, Susannah Smith, Rachel Crossley, Eamon Crossley, Alicia Crossley, Tiernan Crossley, Taryn Crossley, Eilish Crossley and Saoirse Crossley. The family is grateful to new family friend Veronica for her gentle, loving care of Mr. Crossley during his final year.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be made to Little Britches Therapeutic Horseback Riding, 30 Tophet Road, Roxbury, CT, 06783.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Services: A memorial service celebrating Mr. Crossley's life will be held on Saturday, February 16, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere,2 School Street.