Donald Eugene Crosty

Donald Eugene Crosty 81 of Rockford passed away Thursday November 28, 2013 in his home. He was born July 6, 1932 in Rockford, the son of Paul and Helen Crosty. He married Barbara Hodges in Rockford on March 27, 1953, they were married for 60 years. Don worked for Muller Pinehurst Dairy for over 35 years, retiring in 1993. Don loved hunting, especially at his son-in-laws farm in Wisconsin; fishing is Canada & Northern Minnesota, snowmobiling, four wheeling, bowling & Bocce. Prior to working at Muller's, he managed the bowling alley at the old Faust Hotel. He bowled 35 years in the ABC Tournaments and was inducted into the Rockford Men's Bowling Hall of Fame in November 2004. He was also a die-hard Chicago Cubs and Bears Fan. While in his 20's and early 30's he refereed high school football and coached the 1st Bronco Boys Baseball team at Roy Gayle Park. His team, Dyna Kleen/Dyna Vac won many championships in the 1960's, a fact his was very proud of. He was a member of the Korean War Vets, having served in the Army. He was wounded & received the Purple Heart. He also belonged to the Lombardi Club, St. Ambrosia Club and his "home away from home", the Verdi Club, where he served on the Board in one capacity or another, for 30 years, several as President. He was also a member of the American Legion and Sportsmen's Club
Survivors include his wife Barbara. Son; Bob (Dodi) Crosty of Rockford. Daughters; Kathy Crosty and Cherie Crosty both of Pecatonica. Son-in-law Dan Johnson. Grandchildren; Bill (Dawn) Coogan, Mike (Nikki) Coogan, Steven Stockdale, Brandon Stockdale, Bruce "Scooter" Richmond Jr., Artie Martin, Mark (Ravin) Brewer Jr., Jarrad Larson and Shaunna Brass. Great grandchildren; Cody and Clayton Coogan and Sylis Brewer. Sister; Bonnie (Margarito) Renteria. Also several nieces nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents. Daughter, Debbie and great granddaughter Mikaela Coogan
Funeral service at 12pm Tuesday December 3, 2013 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Entombment in Sunset memorial Gardens. Visitation from 5pm until 7pm Monday in the Funeral Home. Visitation also from 11am until 11:45 Tuesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family for a memorial to be established for the Verdi Club. Don would like to leave this message with all of you: "I want to thank all my family and friends for a wonderful life, full of happy memories and much love, which I take with me, on my last and solo trip- The Bus Has Left."