Joseph Warren Crosby, Jr., 81, Veteran of Korean and Vietnam Wars

Joseph W. Crosby, Jr. (courtesy photo)

Joseph Warren Crosby Jr., 81, of Raleigh, N.C., formerly of Haverhill, passed away at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC on April 23 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Newburyport January 19, 1937, he was the son of the late Joseph W. Crosby and Margaret L. (Bernard) Santosusso, and late step father, Anthony Santasusso. Raised in Amesbury, he was a graduate of Amesbury High School, class of 1955. Upon graduation Joseph enlisted into the U.S. Navy, serving three years, and was honorably discharged in 1958. He then enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and began a distinguished career serving his country for the next 21 years. A Veteran of both Korean and Vietnam Wars, he served three tours in Vietnam. Retiring as a Tech Sargent in 1975. He was employed as a machinist at Bartley Machine in Amesbury for sixteen years, retiring in 2000.

The widower of Sandra M. (Richardson) Crosby who died this past Jan. 8, Crosby moved to North Carolina to be close to his family. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and spending time with his family. He most recently enjoyed working with his son Kelly at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.

He leaves his children; Kathy and her husband, Kem Shelton, of Goldsboro, NC, Joseph Kelly and his wife, Ronda Crosby, of Raleigh, N.C., and Kyra Crosby, of Haverhill, Mass., grandchildren; Kevin Harrell, Michell Ham, Nicholas and his wife, Julie, and Trent Harrell of Goldsboro, N.C. and Liam Harrell, of Alamogordo, N.M., brothers; Anthony Santosusso, Gary Crosby, Guy Crosby, and sister, Gail Crosby and several nieces and nephews. In addition to being predeceased by his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by his daughter, Kristina Ham and sister, Carole Crowell.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on Saturday from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. A celebration of Mr. Crosby’s life will be held at 5 p.m. in the funeral home including Military Honors. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Veteran’s Northeast Outreach Center, 10 Reed St. Haverhill, MA 01832.