Roger Donald Crosby
June 25, 1956 ~ September 8, 2018
Roger Donald Crosby, Jr (Don or Donny) died peacefully with many loved ones at his side just after dusk on Saturday, September 8, 2018.
Don was born on June 25, 1956, in Portland, ME, to parents Mary Ann and Roger Donald Crosby. He grew up in Portland and then traveled extensively, having lived in various parts of the United States over his lifetime, making several life-long friendships and deeply impacting all those with whom he came in contact. His passion for revelry and celebration of the finer things in life were evidenced by his love of good music, good people, art, culture, and especially food and wine with friends and family.
Over a span of several decades he was a big presence in countless rock 'n' roll bands, country and western bands and country duos, adding an essential element to every musical undertaking with his low, sometimes satirical, and sometimes soberly reflective voice, and his very solid and on-time guitar playing.
He was survived by his mother, Mary Ann Crosby; his children, Lilian and Earl Crosby; his granddaughter, Myrnielis Fuentes Crosby; his 6 sisters, Ann Crosby, Ellen Crosby, Susan Hathaway, Joan Daniel, Mary Paule, and Ruth Bravo-Crosby; his 4 brothers, Peter Crosby, Robert Crosby, Eugene Crosby and John Crosby; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and several close friends.
A Graveside Service will take place at 11AM on Wednesday, September 12 at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. A Celebration of Donny's life will follow at Sebago Brewery in Scarborough. Any and all of those near and dear to Don are welcome to attend, speak and share in your love for Don.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland.
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We met at the Seamen’s Club. He was 16. I was 15. We started as dishwashers and busboys. From the very first time we met, when he came busting into the kitchen complaining about some stupid human who’d given him guff, we became instant friends. He was a hero to me – he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and he cottoned no fools. He was also smart as a whip. We matched like dark and light, with each of us taking either roll whenever necessary, and well, in the gray areas, we danced! I met so many friends through Donny and I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of knowing so many of you Crosbys. Like Donny, you all feel like family to me. One big family with all of its highs, lows, joys and strifes. This is life made of passion. There is nothing better. Kurt M
– Kurt Myhaver
I always looked up to Donny, I thought he was the coolest thing since sliced bread, I told him that when I asked him to be my best man, he was surprised by it. I don’t think the thought of himself in that way. I love you Donny, and I will miss you.
– Peter Crosby
Please know we are wishing the family and friends of Roger Donald Crosby, Jr. comfort and strength in the days, weeks and months ahead. Sincerely, The Staff of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes
– The Staff of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes
I have far too many memories to share in this space and time; a life’s worth of memories Donny was a good big brother. He always made time for me. I love him profoundly, and will miss him so, so, so much . Halloween was his favorite holiday, and I spent umpteen Halloween nights with him, even after we grew up. Halloween will always be his Adios, dear Donny
– Ellen Crosby
Thank you DON, for all your love to me; like all your family. You take care of me like a older brother, I will never forget. We had very short time, but enough to know you and see the inside of your heart. Thank you to bring me to New York to meet Les Paul and had one of the best weekedns of my life. I will be in debt with you. All my love to you and all the family. I know you are in the great place and you keep helping us. We will meet some day. Bih HUGE from ALL the FAMILY
– Carlos Muñoz
Don was a sweet and gifted presence during an amazing time in Portland. He touched so many through his music and wit. I’m so sorry your family had to say goodbye so soon.
– Amy
I’m so sorry to hear of Donny’s passing. Sending condolences to all the Crosby clan.
– Erin Burns
May Don reside with the highest in peace & joy. May he swim in music.
I’ve only now found out of Don’s death. I knew him in Portland in the 1980s. He was gentle, kind, fun, intelligent, kind, sweet, imaginative, kind and kind. His personality touches my heart to this day. We caught up about 15 years ago & I wanted to see him again. He has always been in my heart.
I’m so sorry to be just hearing about Donny’s death. I’m so sorry. He introduced me to music when I was just a kid. He wanted to memorize all the names in one of the songs on Joseph and the Amazing Tecnicolor Dreamcoat and blasted Harry Nillson from the bedroom window. I’ll never forget how cool and handsome he was!! Love to the whole family. We all had so much fun growing up on Grove Ave. Hide and Seek at night, bike riding to steal green apples in Cape Elizabeth and sleeping out in the pup tent. 🙂