Jerry T. Crosser

Jerry Thomas Crosser, 82, of York, passed away on August 1, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his wife and four daughters, after a brief illness.

Jerry was born on October 29, 1943, in Bellwood, Blair County, to Raymond and Beatrice (Flynn) Crosser. He was a graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School and, upon graduation, joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a Telegraph Typewriter Operator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock and served in the South China Sea while stationed in Alameda, California. On August 7, 1965, he married his loving wife, Donna Rickabaugh of Altoona, and began their family in Bellwood before settling in York.

Jerry devoted nearly 40 years to the insurance industry, building a career marked by hard work, dedication, and professionalism. He retired from Encompass Insurance in 2008 as a Territory Sales Manager. During his years with Encompass, he and Donna enjoyed many company trips and travel opportunities, special recognitions that reflected the respect he earned through his professional commitment and success.

In retirement, Jerry enjoyed golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family. For the past 16 years, he and Donna embraced their snowbird lifestyle, traveling to Florida each winter, where they were able to spend time with their daughter and grandchildren and playing golf several times a week. He and Donna also enjoyed cruises to destinations such as Hawaii, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and Alaska. He was often found on the front porch of his home, watching over the neighborhood as the “unofficial mayor” of his street.

Jerry’s grandchildren were among his greatest joys, and he took every opportunity to share with them the principles and life lessons that mattered most to him. A cherished memory his family will always hold close is the celebration of Jerry and Donna’s 60th wedding anniversary. Having his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren all together meant so much to him, and he was incredibly proud to share that milestone with the people he loved most. It was a joyful reminder of the family and legacy he helped build and of how deeply he cherished every moment spent together.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; his four daughters, Beth and her husband, Jeff Hagen, of Hershey, Jennifer Lee of Jacksonville, Florida, Amy and her husband, Todd Hitz, of York, and Karen and her husband, Andy Graybill, of York; and his nine grandchildren, Shane Hagen, Madeline Anderson and her husband, Chandler Anderson, Ryan Hagen, Sara Hagen, Jared Lee, Jeremy Hitz, Elena Graybill, Lilly Graybill, and Jonathan Graybill, his sisters, Connie Matuscheck, Kathy Murray and Joan Crosser as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Father Raymond Crosser.

A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00AM, Monday, August 17, 2026 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 950 W. Market Street, York, where Jerry was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Officiating the Memorial Mass will be Jerry’s cousin, Fr. John M. Kuchniski. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd, York is honored to serve the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Leg Up Farm, 4880 North Sherman Street Extension, Mount Wolf, PA 17347.