Sterling, Va. — Derrill P. Crosby passed away at Sunrise Countryside in Sterling, Virginia on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the age of 94. Derrill was born in Newport, R.I. and raised near the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. He graduated from the University of Maryland (1971) and then received his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary (1977). He joined the Navy at age 19 and married Margaret Isabel Edwards on June 26, 1946. He served in the Navy for over 30 years fighting in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. He was a highly decorated naval aviator, received numerous medals throughout his career and retired in 1974. He attended VTS and then served as rector at both Trinity Episcopal Church in Buchanan, Va. and Church of the Epiphany in Newport, N.H. In 1988, Derrill married Janice M. Petroski and they retired to Peterborough, N.H. where he still did supply work in the Diocese and assisted with services at All Saints Episcopal Church in Peterborough. Derrill moved back to Virginia in the spring of 2017. Derrill enjoyed sailing, canoeing, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Eugene Crosby, Jr. and first wife, Margaret. He is survived by his wife Janice M., her family including two sons, one daughter and five grandchildren. Derrill also is survived by his children, Derrilyn M. (John) Lubic of Ashburn, Va., Deric M. (Janice A.) Crosby of Magnolia, Del., and David M. (Christine) Crosby of Alexandria, Va. His grandchildren are, Christina M. (Christopher) Bennett-Kirkwood of Norfolk, Va., Phillip M. (Susan) Crosby of Philadelphia, Pa., and Christopher M. (Susan) Lubic of Oakton, Va. His great-grandchildren are Frank and Savannah Bennett of Charlestown, W.Va., Emmeline and Millicent Crosby, and Harper and Sutton Lubic. 

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 6320 Hanover Avenue, Springfield, VA 22150, Telephone: 703-451-1088 with a reception at the church following the service.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society and Capital Caring Hospice.