Malcolm Edward Crosby Jr.

Malcolm Edward Crosby, Jr., 88, passed away after a long struggle with COPD at home in Lake City, FL with his daughter and son-in-law at his side.  Mal was born July 17, 1936, at Carney Hospital in Boston to Malcolm and Mary L (Thurston) Crosby. He had a wonderful childhood in his hometown of North Reading, MA where he attended St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and “Little Dumb Bunnies” LDB elementary school.   He enjoyed time with his brothers and friends through his teenage years and as a young man where he developed a love of old cars and motorcycles. In the late 1960’s, he moved to Nantucket Island where he resided for the next 50 years. Mal began his career as a meticulous bricklayer and enjoyed building his own homes. As he became older, he became a taxi driver and worked at Nantucket Island Airport on the night shift for many years. Mal overcame struggles with alcoholism and was active in the AA community along with his second wife.   Hobbies included flying and fishing. After obtaining a pilot’s license he purchased and enjoyed his own airplane.  Family recalls his adventures on land, in the air, and water on Nantucket and lakes in Maine where he built a camp amongst the pine trees.    After retirement, he had the time to really enjoy the children who were a delight to him. His journey through life included his first love, Carol (Beauchamp) Crosby with whom he had two children. Later he was a devoted husband and amazing caregiver to Susan (Kelly) Crosby, and then to Sara (Richard) Crosby who each fell ill and passed away before him.  His love and strength of character enveloped many extended family members through blood, marriage and friendships. Mal is survived by his brother Anthony J and wife Nancy Crosby of Green Valley, AZ; daughter Anneliese and husband Mark Newsome of Lake City, FL; son Charles Crosby of Hyannis, MA; Grandchildren include Dayton DeFoe of NH; Charlie and Ethan Crosby of MA, and Dillon (Francielen) Crosby of FL Mal is also survived by his dear lifelong friend Richard Post and family, three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be cremated and laid to rest at a future date in St. Mary’s Cemetery on Nantucket Island where he had been so happy. The family thanks Haven Hospice of Lake City for their care and compassion and ask that any donations be made in his memory to them. Guerry Funeral Home is honored to serve the Crosby family.