Donald G. Crosby

Donald G. Crosby

HORNELL-Donald G. Crosby, 89, of Sheldon Court passed away peacefully early Sunday morning (Feb. 27, 2022).

Born in Hornell on Aug. 26, 1932, he was a son of the late Hiram and Gertrude (Stone) Crosby. On Aug. 26, 1961, he was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to the former Mary Agnes Argentieri who predeceased him on July 20, 2021, after nearly 60 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by two brothers, Robert (Eileen)Crosby, Thomas Crosby and one sister, Helen (Thomas) O’Rourke.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, Don was a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1950 and received his bachelor’s degree from Geneseo State College in1959. where he was a member of Delta Kappa Tau. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army from 1952 to his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1954 and served with the Army Reserves until 1960.

Don began his teaching career at Dansville Central School in 1960, teaching sixth grade. In 1961 he began his employment with the Hornell City School District at the Junior High School and retired in 1991 from the Senior High School. After retiring he worked part-time at the Hornell Public Library and served on the Board of Directors.

He was a devout member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he was a member and past president of the Parish Council and a Religious Education instructor. Don was also a member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus and the Hornell Elks Lodge No. 364.

Throughout the years he has enjoyed gardening, walking, reading and loved music, especially classical.

Don will be remembered most of all for being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

His loving family includes four children, David (Debra) Crosby of North Hornell, Ellen (Michael) Mouillesseaux of Endicott, N.Y., Nancy (Frank) Fenti of Livonia, N.Y. and Patricia (Jody) Lebrenz of Tonawanda, N.Y.; five grandchildren, Emily Mouillesseaux, Natalie Crosby (Gary Kelleher), Rachel Mouillesseaux, Daniel Crosby and Erin Crosby; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Updyke’s Willow Ridge and to Dr. Nasar Chaudry and Dr. Syed Iqbal for the wonderful care they gave to Don over the years.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Friday (March 4, 2022) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday (March 5, 2022). Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843, the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Hornell High School Alumni Assoc. (for music education), P.O. Box 135, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Don’s military service.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Don’s family with the arrangements.

To leave your own personal remembrance of condolence you may click on the liuck below or visit the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

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