TOPSHAM — Charles Earl Crosby, Jr. 80 passed away at Maine Medical Center surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 25. His immediate family members were able to visit, pray and sing with him on his final day on Earth. He was a devote Catholic and member of All Saints Parish in Brunswick.

He was born on July 13, 1936 at Sisters Hospital in Waterville, Maine, the son of Charles E. Crosby, Sr. and Aurea Goodno. His father, a World War I Veteran, became permanently disabled when Charles was six months old and his mother raised he and his three sisters by herself while also taking care of her invalid sister and working as a cook at Sister’s Hospital near their home. A Catholic upbringing was central in his life and he became an altar boy at Sister’s Hospital at age 9 and by age 12 he started doing kitchen as well as grounds work there to help pay the family bills. At 14 he was hired part time in the hospital purchasing department and worked at a local lobster pound through high school. He was active in scouting, enjoyed camping and hiking and progressed to Junior Assistant Scoutmaster at age 13. He proudly attended the 1950 National Boy Scout Jamboree and credits scouting for helping him develop as a leader and strong male role model. Besides his mother, who he adored, his brother-in-law Donald Dickey was one of the greatest influences in his life and helped him with his career choice to become an Electrical Engineer. He entered the Bath Iron Works Electrical Apprenticeship program on August 9, 1954 and was an exemplary student graduating top in his class and was honored by meeting Governor John Reed at the State Capital. He also served eight years in the US Naval Reserves. Shortly after a near fatal car accident in Brunswick in 1957, he married the love of his life, Joanne Marie Tardiff of Clinton, Maine on February 15, 1958 in Fairfield, ME. At Bath Iron Works he rose quickly in the Electrical Department and became an Electronics Specialist. Over his distinguished career he was a Lead man, taught electricity and electronics for the apprenticeship program, was Assistant Foreman and became Foreman in 1970. One of the proudest moments in his life was when he received his Bachelors of Science in Industrial Technology from the University of Southern Maine in 1984 showing his commitment to continuing education and fulfilling his dream to finish college. At the time of his retirement on May 31,1995, he was General Foreman of the Electrical Department and prided himself in knowing every man and woman’s name that worked for or with him. He was respected and loved by many who have passed through the gates of the shipyard.

Charles and his wife Joanne were active in Topsham Jaycees and Jaycees Wives Club and actively worked to raise funds for community recreation development, youth and sports activities, serving as President twice and State Membership Chairman. He served for five years on the first Topsham Economic Development Committee and was Chair for three. He was passionate and very active in the development of facilities for the town of Topsham and lobbied unsuccessfully at town meeting to convince the town to purchase Sky Hy ski area in the 1970’s. He was, however, instrumental in the town acquiring all the land known today as the Foreside Field Recreation Fields for one dollar. He was an active volunteer in Topsham, never seeking elected office, but serving as Chairman of the Topsham Recreation Committee for many years, the Topsham Public Library board of directors as Chair and Treasurer, and Topsham Club Pack 646 Cub Master. He was also taught Religious Education at St. Charles Parish.

Charles loved being involved in his community and civic activities, being with his family on outings, fishing, recreation, trips and swimming. He also loved to read and take courses to increase his knowledge. His greatest joy was to be able to spend time with his wife and five children and grandchildren. He loved to spend time at the Cedar Camp he built for his mother on Messalonskee Lake in Oakland.

Charles epitomized love, self respect, tolerance and respect for others and was a strong role model to his two sons, three daughters, eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joanne Marie Crosby. His five children, Charles Earl Crosby III and his partner Linda Perry of Topsham, Stephen John Crosby and his wife Tina of Clinton, Pamela Crosby Labonte´ and her partner Kent Olson of Harpswell, Sandra Crosby Bickford and her husband Todd of Topsham, Lori Crosby Umberhind and her husband George of Richmond. His eleven grandchildren Gerry Alan O’Neal of Clinton, Sarah Jo Schneider and her husband William of Lisbon Falls, Jennifer Rose Crosby of Portland, Matthew Crosby Bickford of Bath, Ashley Victoria Crosby of Portland, Timothy Crosby Bickford and his partner Chantalle Desjardins of Westbrook, Charlotte Elizabeth Crosby of Topsham, Lauren Marie Umberhind of Richmond, Charles Earl Crosby IV of Topsham, Katherine Ann Umberhind and Jacob Daniel Umberhind of Richmond and four great grandchildren: Dylan Alan, Logan Carter, Ryleigh Ann and Shane Joseph O’Neal. He is also survived by his sister Delnette Clark of Florida. Charles is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Aurea Crosby and his sisters Shirley Dickey and Charlene Leggett.

Visitation will be at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick on Wednesday, May 31 from 5 – 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen Street, Brunswick at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 1. Bath Iron Works will lower their flag to half mast on the day of the funeral in his honor. A private reception will follow. Memorial contributions is his name may be made in support of the Children’s Miracle Network – in Maine the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center. https://mmc.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/