Hugh E. Crosby, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA, passed away Friday (July 7, 2023) at ECMC in Buffalo, N.Y., following a traumatic head injury from a fall off a ladder.

Hugh was born November 11, 1936 in Austin, PA to the late Cedric and Helen Cooney Crosby. Hugh was a graduate of Austin Area High School. On August 6, 1955 in Manassas, VA, he married Jean M. Tilburg who survives.

Hugh thoroughly enjoyed life, he had a huge heart, genuinely loved interacting with people wherever he went and always found a common interest with those he met.  NASCAR, Willies Roadhouse radio, camping, 4-wheeling, working in his garage and tinkering around his house were some of his favorite things to do.

His infectious smile and laugh warmed the hearts of many. He cared deeply for his family and friends and would go out of his way to help those in need, expecting nothing in return. Hugh took pride in his family and thoroughly enjoyed each and every family gathering. His love and kindness were felt wherever he went.

Despite suffering severe burns and the loss of his little finger on both hands early in life, Hugh continued working at several powdered metal plants retiring from GKN Sintered Metals at the age of 64. Hugh made many friends at every place of employment and was very excited when he would run into prior coworkers. He was a master mechanic and welder and loved working on cars and could fix anything.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean Tilburg Crosby; daughters, Cynthia (Joseph) Reed of Austin, PA and Carolyn (Maurice) Moore of Orchard Park, NY; grandchildren, Dustin (Margo) Crosby of Coudersport, PA, Tiffany Plant of Kenmore, NY, Melissa (Geoffrey) Hurin of Hazel, KY, Darren (Diana) Crosby of Coudersport, PA , Mark (Melissa) Reed of Youngsville, NC, and Kyle Moore of West Seneca, NY;  brothers, Terry (Ruthie) Crosby and William Crosby both of Austin, PA; sisters, Barbara Barr of Austin, PA and Connie (Joseph) Clingan of Salem, OH;  and several great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents Hugh is predeceased by a son, Thomas H. Crosby; and a brother, Clement C. Crosby.

In keeping with Hugh’s wishes, there will be no visitation.  A celebration of Hugh’s life will be held at a later date.

Hugh entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Austin Area Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 328, Austin, PA  16720.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Hugh please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.