Worcester: Rev. Dr. Donald H. Crosby, 84, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Marilyn J. (Marshall) Crosby; 6 children and their spouses- Paul B. Crosby and his wife Dorothy of Stoddard, NH, Stephen D. Crosby and his wife Sally of Woodstock, CT, David M. Crosby and his wife Evalie of Newmarket ,NH; Mark A. Belluardo- Crosby and his husband Marco of Salem, MA; Janelle Sweet and her husband Andrew of Gloucester, MA; and Faith Crosby Manish and her husband Paul of Natick, MA; 14 grandchildren Michael Crosby and his wife Abby, Erin Sund and her husband Jeremiah, Katherine Crosby, Chris Crosby and his wife Bethany, Tim Crosby, Caitie Crosby, Elizabeth Shitemi and her husband Steve, Nathan Crosby and his wife Erika, Aaron Crosby and his wife Micayla, Matteo Belluardo-Crosby, Drew Sweet and his wife Jamie, Jeremiah Sweet and his wife Marie, Hannah Sweet, Jerushah Sweet; three great-grandchildren Eliza Crosby, Silas Crosby and Niara Shitemi ; and a sister-in-law Beverly Crosby of Brockton and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by a brother Richard Crosby.
Donald was born in Boston, son of the late Bradford and Mildred (Frackelton) Crosby. He graduated from Gordon College and earned his Masters of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He served as a pastor at White Street Baptist Church, East Boston, West Somerville Baptist Church, Somerville, Calvary Baptist Church, New Haven, CT, First Baptist Church of West Hartford, CT and Interim Minister at Tremont Temple, Boston, MA. In addition he served as Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island and Interim Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of New Hampshire and Vermont. He also held a variety of positions and served on a number of boards and committees with American Baptist Churches of the USA. He considered his ministry a privilege in developing relationships with caring communities and individuals that embrace all the challenges of life's journey. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Worcester. While he found his greatest joy in spending time with his family, he also enjoyed gardening, photography, singing and traveling.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 AM in First Baptist Church 111 Park Ave. Worcester, MA 01609. At his request there are no calling hours. Nordgren Funeral Home 300 Lincoln St. Worcester is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to First Baptist Church Worcester. To leave an online condolence message, please click link.