PLAISTOW, NH – Robert B. "Bob" Crossman, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Tone (Dame) Crossman with whom he shared 54 beautiful years of marriage.

He was born in Portland, Maine on May 9, 1944, and was the son of Elizabeth (Wright) Crossman and the late Earl Crossman.

Bob served four years in the US Air Force, which he was proud of, and stayed in touch with many of his service friends throughout his life.

He later worked as a custodian for the Timberlane School System, retiring from Pollard Elementary after thirty happy years of service. He considered coworkers his extended family and Pollard his second home, rather than just a place of work. He loved what he did because he loved the kids. The students at the school fondly called him "Mr. Bob," which he wore with pride and carried with him into retirement. They'd routinely pass him high fives and cheers as he strolled by, or often hollered up to the "Moxie Man" as he rode by on the big zamboni. He was always there to help the kids when they lost something, assist the faculty around the school, and even sit in as Santa when asked. His years of dedication were celebrated upon his retirement, where the school gathered to celebrate with his favorite treats, and the perfect meal of Hot Dogs and Moxie.

He would always be there, even when he was needed in some small way.  Always joking around and always kind. Always volunteering to go above and beyond; including donating personal time and volunteering when extra work was needed. He took his responsibility seriously, remaining on call for when alarms would go off in the middle of the night, which happened all too often. He was proud to be a part of watching each student learn and grow, always rooting them on, especially to get "A's and B's."

There isn't a place he goes where he isn't recognized by past students and staff. Whenever traveling on vacation with his family or just running errands in town, people would recognize him and pull him aside to reminisce of their days at Pollard. His family always joked about his ongoing "celebrity status" but those little moments meant the world to him.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf, doing yard work, reading books, and spending time with friends and family. He also enjoyed a fresh coffee every morning at Cumberland Farms while talking to everyone who works there, and some other regulars from the community. Some who would bring him new books to read while he was there. He enjoyed tinkering in his yard with bird feeders and houses, and running errands around town in his car where he wore the plate "Mr. Bob" again proudly. He loved joking with people and making new connections along with running into neighbors and friends when seen out and about. He loved his grandsons, always cheering them on, especially when he saw their talent shining through and dreams coming to the forefront. Bob loved and cherished his wife and enjoyed spending quality time with her while making sure he spoiled her in any way he knew how. He was a supportive son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who did his best to express his love in his own unique ways. He also loved playing with his rescue dog Zara. He was a "gentle giant" to all who knew him and would give anyone the shirt off his back.

Besides his wife and mother Bob is survived by his daughter Heather Lafontaine of Plaistow, NH, his grandsons Cameron Lafontaine, Coty Lafontaine and fur baby Zara all of Plaistow, NH, his sisters Gail MacGill and her husband Ken of Hollis, NH, Sue Roos and her husband Peter of New London, NH, and his good friends Dorothy and Richard Noury of Londonderry, NH. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob was sadly predeceased by his grandson Kaden X. Lafontaine.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 4pm – 7pm at the Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home 116 Main Street, Plaistow, NH. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11am in St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, East Road, Hampstead, NH. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation or charity of their choice.