LARRY CROSBY
ANCHORAGE – Anchorage, Alaska resident Larry Crosby passed away October 5, 2013 in his Anchorage home with his wife by his side and his daughters in spirit with him. Larry was born March 3, 1936 in Norwich, NY.
Larry served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 through 1955. He was honorably discharged in 1955 after serving in Korea.
Larrygraduated from Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota. After college he moved to Pinellas County, Florida. There, Larry had two sons from his first marriage, Brett and Todd Crosby. He taught high school industrial arts and coached football, baseball and basketball.
Larry joined the International Union of Operating Engineers in 1962. In 1975, construction of the Trans-Alaska pipeline lured Larry to Alaska where he worked as a heavy equipment operator and where he met the love of his life, Stevi. His daughters Samantha and Erinn were born and raised in Anchorage. His family was the joy of his life where he worked hard to make their home a refuge of hospitality, warmth and love. He was actively involved with his daughters’ dance classes and was a steady presence at Dance Spectrum Alaska.
He was affectionately known to many friends as Nanny Larry or Mr. Mom because each school day he would pick up his daughters at school along with many other neighborhood children. He made sure the kids got to their destinations safely and on time. During summers, Larry drove motorcoach for tour companies and he was proud to show visitors the Alaska he loved so much. He was a long-time supporter of the Medina County Fair (Ohio) Junior Fair Live Stock Sale and Open Beef Show. He loved sending the girls off on Alaska fishing adventures with these words: "You catch it and clean it, and I'll cook it and eat it."
Larry is survived by his wife Stevi, daughter Samantha, and daughter Erinn and son-in-law Chris; his two sons Brett and Todd; and granddaughter, Jessica; siblings, Patricia and husband, Ed Whitehead, Charles and wife, Cecil Crosby, Richard, Les and wife, Regina Crosby and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, Larry's wishes are that remembrances be made to Providence Alaska Foundation - Hospice or the Anchorage Community Concert Band.
A celebration of his life was held Thursday, October 10, 2013 at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Center, 4721 Aircraft Drive in Anchorage.
Arrangements were with Janssen Funeral Homes.