Robert S. Crossley, 78

LACONIA — Robert S. Crossley, 78, of 44 Bell Hill Dr., died early Sunday morning, August 28, 2005, at his home. He was born January 6, 1927, in Providence, R.I., the son of the late Robert and Hope (Sisson) Crossley. He was a long time resident of N. Attleboro, Mass., before moving to Gilford in 1983. He had been a resident of Laconia since 1998.

Mr. Crossley was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving aboard the USS Cherokee in Panama and the Pacific Theatre.

Prior to his retirement, he was vice president of sales for John W. Little Co. of Pawtucket, R.I.

Bob was a special officer for the Town of Gilford from 1988-2005, being assigned to the Glendale docks. He was also a former Belknap County Deputy Sheriff, being assigned to Belknap County Court House security.

He was a member and Past Master of Corinthean Lodge #27 A.F.&A.M. of Cranston, R.I., and a member of Mt. Lebanon Lodge #32 F.&A.M. of Laconia.

Bob was also an active member of the Gilford Community Church, a volunteer with the Lakes Region General Hospital, and Past Commander of the Attleboro Power Squadron. An avid sailor, he was a member of the Bristol (R.I.) Yacht Club.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rita A. (Manz) Crossley of Laconia; four sons, Robert S. Crossley Jr. of Wrentham, Mass., Richard "David" B. Crossley of S. Duxbury, Vt., Erich M. Crossley of Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Thomas W. Crossley of Laconia; three daughters, Susan G. Tarring of Rochester, Barbara Ann Crossley of Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Jean Gilbride of E. Providence, R.I.; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers, James H. Crossley of Warrick, R.I. and Willard S. Crossley of Cumberland, R.I.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Helen G. (Burrows) Crossley, who died in 1960.

There are no calling hours. Friends and relatives are invited to attend memorial services on Saturday, September 3, 2005, at 11 a.m. in the Gilford Community Church, Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, with the Rev. Michael C. Graham, pastor, officiating. Private burial services will be in Slatersville Cemetery, Slatersville, R.I.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gilford Communtiy Church, 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford,NH, 03249.

The Dewhirst Funeral Home, 1061 Union Ave., Laconia, is in charge of the arrangements.

Please visit www.dewhirstfuneralhome.com, for send on-line condolences or for further information.