Linden Knowles Crossley
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Linden Knowles Crossley passed away peacefully with his family on February 8, 2021.
Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on April 3, 1923, he was the son of Charlotte A. (Kirkham) and Frank Crossley.
He leaves behind his one son, David G. Crossley; his daughter-in-law, Lucille A. (Veale) Crossley; and his granddaughter, Karrie A. Crossley.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Arlene N. (Becker) Crossley; his parents; and a younger brother, Graham Y. Crossley, who lost his life on board the USS Franklin while serving his country in WW II.
Showing an early love for flying, he got his pilot's license at the age of 16. Pursuing his growing interest for aviation and engineering, he attended Parks College of Aeronautical Technology at St. Louis University.
Upon graduating in 1943 he enlisted in the Army Air Force where he became interested in rotary wing aircraft. He became employed with Sikorsky Helicopter, a Division of United Aircraft. He later went on to work with Kaman Aircraft and the Helicopter Division of Bell Aircraft. Early in his career he held only the 10th helicopter pilot's license in the United States. He contributed to the record breaking achievements of New England Helicopter where he was Superintendent of Maintenance and Director of ground training. A near fatal helicopter crash in New Hampshire ended his aviation career.
From there he went on to open and run a successful Tydol Flying A service station in Manchester, New Hampshire until the Public Service Company of New Hampshire hired him away. He worked his way up to Superintendent of hydro-electric production for the state of New Hampshire where he designed and help install controls that automated all the dams in the state of New Hampshire. He retired after 25 years with the company. While living in New Hampshire he and his wife traveled around the United States, made several trips to England, and visited Germany, Ireland, and Scotland. He and his wife were active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Manchester where he was a deacon. They also enjoyed singing in the church choir. They volunteered their time at the Elliott Hospital in Manchester.
Five years after his retirement, he and his wife decided to move to Georgia to be close to his family where they both spent the remainder of their years. They were members of Friendship Presbyterian Church in Watkinsville.
A service is planned for later this year in his home state of New Hampshire.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com