1922 – 2013

LEWISTON — Charles I. Crosby Jr., 91, of 20 Champlain Ave., Lewiston, died at his home on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Born in East Livermore on Oct. 14, 1922, he was the son of Charles Sr. and Christine Gilbert Crosby. He was a graduate of Livermore Falls High School, Class of ’42, and received a degree from the University of Maine. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army.

Charles worked as an engineer for many years — first at International Paper, then Pratt & Whitney and finally for Southwest Machine, where he was the inventor of the truck “dry-dock.”

He had a lifelong love of flying and was an accomplished pilot. Charles used his mechanical and technical skills to restore an old Cessna plane and was a longtime member of the Civilian Air Patrol.

Charles was a communicant of the former St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s churches.

He is survived by his loving wife of nine years, the former Natalie Potter of Lewiston; a son, Duane and wife, Debrah, of Wayne; a daughter, Beatrice and husband, Gerard Champion, of Marshall, Texas; a sister, Lillian Cote of Livermore Falls; six grandchildren, Ryan and Erin Crosby, Cynthia Matthews, Victoria Holcomb, Tia Gronwald and Lucinda Rich; six great-grandchildren, Karter Crosby, Morgan Solis, Gage Pepper and Leslie, Hanna, and Emma Gronwald; a great-great-grandson, Brody Solis; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by several brothers and sisters; his first wife, Lorrayne Robertson; and his second wife, Patricia Sullivan.

The family would like to thank all the angels on staff at CMMC, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, and Dr. Joseph’s office for all the loving care they gave Charles.

Condolences and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.