John William Crossley, 59, of Erwinna, died February 20 at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton.

Mr. Crossley was born in Dover, Delaware on December 18, 1951. The youngest of five children, he was the son of John and Mary Crossley. He is survived by his only daughter, Jessie Alfaro and her husband Antonio Alfaro of Upper Black Eddy, PA and his two grandchildren, Ephraim Alfaro and Elijah Alfaro, sisters Noralyn Crossley of Upper Black Eddy, Nancy Hicks of Bealeton, VA and Judy Huffsteadler of Hebbronville, TX, as well as by many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his sister Claudia Davis of Gainesville Fl.

After graduating Central Bucks H. S. in Doylestown, Mr. Crossley became expert in the trades of taxidermy and the manufacturing of glass eyes for use in taxidermy mounts. He was a talented, award winning inventor and song composer. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved children with whom he spent time telling colorful stories. He spent many years dedicating his life to helping the oppressed and persecuted in Communist Eastern Europe and later also helped orphans and disabled people in the poorest countries. He will be remembered for his generosity and kindness.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011 at Shelly Funeral Home, Kellers Church Road at Easton Road, Plumsteadville where the family will receive friends after 4:00 PM Interment will be in the Montoursville Cemetery, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 26.