William "Bill" Ronald Crossley

Marcy/Cape Vincent, NY- William “Bill” Crossley, passed away into the loving arms of the Lord, surrounded by his beloved family on March 30, 2026, two days short of his 90th birthday which fell on April 1st. 

Born in Utica, NY, Bill was the son of the late William and Irene (Mullen) Crossley. He attended Sacred Heart, Whitesboro, and MVCC Schools. On October 6, 1956, he married the love of his life, Barbara Branche in St. Peter’s Church. A blessed union of almost 70 years. 

His career spanned many years working as a bread distributor and franchise owner working for Cobakco, Durkees, WonderBread, Freihofer's, and Pepperidge Farm. Bill was the first Physical Education teacher at St. Peter’s School and later became a bus driver for Whitesboro School District. He was a member of the Maynard Fire Department where he served as president and commissioner. Bill was an active member of St. Peter’s Church and School, where he served on several youth committees and acted as Eucharistic Minister. He also volunteered at the Cape Vincent Historical Museum. 

Bill was an extraordinarily loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He had the best smile that gave a twinkle to his blue eyes. Bill enjoyed going to church, reading history, playing basketball and baseball and was a loyal Yankees fan. Baseball is what brought Bill and Barb together leaving a love for the game to his children and grandchildren. The St. Lawrence River area holds a special place in the hearts of Bill and his family. Bill and Barb along with their son “Billy” and other family members and friends, built their second home together in Cape Vincent, NY where Barb and Bill spent their Golden Years enjoying everything that the River has to offer. Their home was a welcoming and joyful space for all who came. 

He is survived by his devoted wife Barbara, his five cherished children Scott (Diane) Crossley, Marci (David) Yager, Jolene (Paul) Tarkowski, Bill (Beth) Crossley, and Jennifer (Daniel) Klaers; his 14 grandchildren, Ben (Whitney) Crossley, Casey (Emily) Crossley, Kaitlin (Fred) Samel, Robert (Laura) Yager, Chelsea Yager (Ali Boolani), Christopher (Maggie) Tarkowski, Brittany (Andrew) Starczewski, Patrick (Mari) Tarkowski, Billy (Rachael) Crossley, Johnny Crossley (Alysa Hoffman), Joey Crossley (Katie Bowers), Nora, Erin, and William Klaers; his 21 great-grandchildren; life-long friend and sister Patricia Toussaint; loving in-laws Bill and Clare Tiller; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his oldest sister Gloria Santagata, sister-in-law Joanne Lucianin and brothers-in-law Mike Santagata, Harold Toussaint, and Ken Lucianin. 

The family would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who cared for Bill, especially the team on the east fifth floor of the Wynn Hospital, his home health care team Kory, Jason, Nichole, Nordia, Kaser, and Pat, and to Christina from Utica Rehab for all her extraordinary care so that Bill could come home.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 4PM to 6PM at the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave. Utica. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11 AM at the Catholic Community Church of St. Paul’s, Whitesboro where his Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Bill’s name may be made to the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave. Utica.