Obituary: Charles E. "Buddy" Crosbie, Retired Postal Inspector and Former North Reading Resident

Obituary from Croswell Funeral Home:

Charles E. “Buddy” Crosbie, 89, Of Durham , NC, and formerly of North Reading, died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, at the Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, NC. He was the beloved husband of the late Evelyn (Nolan) Crosbie and Doris (Fortunati) Knapp Crosbie.

Born in Somerville, MA on August 28, 1924. He was the son of the late Stearns E. and Edith (Verdi) Crosbie. Charles was raised and attended school in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School, Class of 1942. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. He served from 1943 to 1946 was a Sergeant and fought in the Asiatic-Pacific and American theater Operation. He received two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart from the South Philippine Campaign and Philippine Liberation.

He worked for the U.S. Postal Service, where he retired as a Postal Inspector. He was a former resident of North Reading for 26 years, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus , Council No. 4544 and an active member of St. Theresa’s Church. He was a hero to his family and friends and proud to be a solid member of “the greatest generation.”

He always had a positive attitude and never complained despite his declining health. He loved and was dedicated to his family and has left a large legacy of adoring relatives. He enjoyed practical jokes and making people smile and be comfortable. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening and caning furniture. He enjoyed history and sightseeing and would take his grandchildren to numerous historical sites.

He was the loving father of sons, Charles P. Crosbie and his wife Paula of Milton, NH, Gerard Knapp and his wife Susan of Parrish, FL and the late Paul Knapp and his wife Patricia Knapp of Springfield, VT; daughters, Patricia C. Apigian and her husband Manuel of Waitsfield, VT; Elaine C. Matheson and husband Richard Blankenship of Durham, NC, and Lois Kelly and her husband Robert of Brandon, FL; He was the brother of, Edith L. Raymond and Roberta Malone and the late Stearns E. Crosbie, Stanley Crosbie, John Crosbie, Gwendolyn Brown,Leonore Anderson, Edith Teresa Crosbie and Joanne Crosbie. Also Survived by 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 1 great great-granddaughter.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home , 19 Bow St. North Reading on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rt. 62), North Reading Calling hours are Friday, Aug. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Charles’ name to The Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka Kansas 66675.