Gerald Crosby

Gerald J. Crosby, 74, of Stoneham, passed away on February 24, 2021, surrounded by his three daughters. He was the son of the late William and Ann (Miles) Crosby and the brother of Pat Love of Madison, CT; Joanne Elliott of Richmond, VT; and the late Billy Crosby, Tommy Crosby, and Lois Sitnik. He is survived by his partner Carol Dinerstein. He is the former husband of Anne (Bonfanti) Crosby and the father of Meredith Crosby; Jacqueline O'Donnell and her husband, Tim; and Danielle Crosby. He was the adoring grandfather of Ani Crosby and Cori, Teddy, and Brielle O'Donnell.

Gerald, known as Jerry or Whale, grew up in Stoneham, served in the U.S. Air Force, fought in Vietnam, and graduated from Northeastern University. He followed in his father's, uncle's, and brother's footsteps when he proudly joined the Stoneham Fire Department and served for 27 years.

He was large and intimidating in stature; he could be stubborn but, as soon as you got to know him, you realized he was kind, funny, helpful, sensitive, and quick witted. He loved playing golf, watching sports on tv, attending sporting events, and discussing sports. He also loved traveling, hanging by a pool or on a beach, cooking, baking, telling hilarious stories, having a good time, and making sure others were having fun, too.

More than anything he loved his family. He enjoyed telling anyone and everyone about his three daughters and their exploits. He was a fantastic dad who attended their numerous activities and could be seen and heard enthusiastically cheering for them. More recently, his grandchildren were the subjects of his numerous stories, as he delighted in them and their adventures.

Jerry leaves behind many, many friends: childhood friends, high school friends, college friends, firefighter friends, friends of his children, friends of his friends. He also leaves loving family members, consisting of his sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins. All who knew him will certainly miss his fun-loving, entertaining, generous spirit, as well as his contagious laugh.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main St., Stoneham on Wednesday from 4-7pm. A Graveside Service will be held at the St. Patrick's Cemetery, 120 Elm St., Stoneham on Thursday at 11am. COVID-19 guidelines will be in effect.