Walter Crossley

For a man who loved to travel, Walter Joseph Crossley Jr. has embarked on his final journey, passing in the comfort of his home on January 26, 2022 in Church Hill, Tennessee at the age of 77. Walter is survived by his wife Sherry, three loving children (Kim Shields, Mark Crossley and Dawn Doyle) and their spouses who he considered his own (Joseph Shields, Whitney Kramer and Timothy Doyle), eight grandchildren (Keely Doyle Murphy, Courtney Crossley, Ryan Shields, Allyson Crossley, Michaela Doyle, Sarah Shields, Mason Doyle and Megan Shields) and sister Carol Lovette. He was predeceased by his parents (Walter and Joyce Crossley), sister (Paula Crossley) and beloved in-laws (Beverley and Esther Scruggs). Walt grew up in Winsted, Connecticut but fell in love with Vermont while spending his summers with his grandfather. He attended Castleton State College where he became an RN and met his life partner Sherry. After serving in the Army, and then obtaining a masters degree as a Nurse Anesthetist, he settled with Sherry in Thetford, Vermont where he was active in the community through coaching youth baseball and serving as President of the Board of Trustees for Thetford Academy. He worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Junction, Vermont before freelancing later in his career which provided more flexibility for travel. He and Sherry travelled extensively, with a particular affinity for cruising. Their travels took them to every continent on forty-six cruises. An avid nature photographer, he captured action photographs ranging from the blue footed booby of the Galpagos Islands to animals on safari in Africa to painted turtles caught (and released) by grandchildren while "turtle hunting" on Lake Fairlee, Vermont. Motivated by warm weather and short winters, he and Sherry have enjoyed the last seven years in Church Hill, Tennessee where they have made tremendous friendships and memories despite battling cancer for the past three years. In lieu of services, the family will complete a celebration of life this spring. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Crossley family.