William Michael Crosby

William M. Crosby, age 93, died peacefully surrounded by his family on September 23, 2022. He was the son of the late Emilie (nee Morris) and John F. Crosby. He was born in Great Neck, NY and reared between Chevy Chase, MD and Spring Lake, NJ.

He graduated from Georgetown Prep School and Seton Hall University. During the Korean War, he served in the Marine Corps as an Air Control Officer. In 1959, he married Marietta (nee Vogt) and they moved together to Tampa, Florida.

His varied business interests included real estate, food franchises, and investments. Bill was a senior executive with Mary Carter Paint Company and Resorts International.

In the political realm, Bill was active in developing a local two-party system as the President of the Republican Mens Club. In 1968, he campaigned for the Republican Senate office in Florida.

Bill was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church. He was a past member of Exchange Club of Tampa, University Club of Tampa, Tampa Yacht & Country Club, Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, and Highlands Falls (NC) Country Club.

Bill was an extraordinarily selfless and generous man who demonstrated throughout his life the importance of helping others and serving the community. Some of his civic interests included the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, the American Red Cross, Port Tampa Bank, the Tampa Commercial Bank, and various religious and educational groups. He served on the Advisory Board of Jesuit High School and as a Trustee with the Academy of the Holy Names Foundation.

Bill was married to the love of his life for 63 years. Together, they raised four children. Loved by all he had the pleasure of meeting. His cheerfulness and wit touched many. He had a deep and steadfast faith, a long and fulfilling life with too many blessings to count. His greatest joy was his family. His interests included tennis, golf, skiing, traveling, and a good party.

Bill was predeceased by three brothers: John F. Crosby, Peter F. Crosby, and James M. Crosby and loving sisters, Elaine (Crosby) Murphy and Suzanne (Crosby) Murphy. In addition, he is survived by his wife and four children: Maribea Crosby of Pittsburgh, PA; Susan E. Crosby of Tampa, FL; Christopher W. Crosby and his wife Jill of Tampa, FL; and Kathryn E. Crosby and her husband John Clay Evans of Riverside, CT. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Crosby B. Deliman; Tess B. Josel (and great-grandchild, Austin P. Reed), Sylvie C. Josel, Paul W. Josel; Alexander W. Crosby, Sydney V. Crosby; Elliot E. Staple and William C. Evans. He also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews.

A mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 8 at 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. A reception will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the charity of your choosing.