Leigh F. Croskrey

Leigh F. Croskrey

February 20, 1930 - February 24, 2015

Leigh F. Croskrey

February 20, 1930 - February 24, 2015

Obituary

Leigh Croskrey
A loving father, grandfather, husband, friend

Leigh was born on Feb. 20, 1930 (for some reason he celebrated his birthday on Feb. 19) to Mary Helen and Joseph F. Croskrey. His brother Terry Croskrey and sister, Dorothy Hanna predeceased him. He spent his youth in San Pedro, CA. Attended and graduated from San Pedro High School (Go Pirates!) Leigh worked at North American Aviation for a brief time after high school and then joined the Navy during the Korean War in 1948 for a 1 year enlistment. He was honorably discharged in 1949. He attended Harbor Junior College briefly and was called back to the US Navy Seabees for 2 years and upon completion of his military service, he attended Long Beach City College and transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara where he graduated with a B.A. degree. He and Marcia Frank were married during the last year of college and moved to Long Beach to start a teaching career and a family. Leigh also attended Cal State Long Beach where he received his M.A. degree. After 15 years of teaching, he was employed in a regional occupation program in Orange County as Director, Instructional Services. He retired in 1986 and went to work for the Northrop Corp. where he worked on the B-2 Bomber Program and developed training courses in various departments that participated in development and manufacturing of the B2 bomber. After leaving Northrop, he worked as a consultant and independent contractor for a few years. Leigh is survived by his wife Victoria, a retired teacher. He also leaves three wonderful and successful children, Kevin (Patty), Carolyn (Dan) and Katie. Leigh was always proud that all three of his children completed a college education. He also leaves five very much loved and loving grandchildren: Kyle and David Croskrey and Meggan, Matthew and Mitchell Casas. A visitation will be held on

Sunday, March 1 from 3:00-5:00pm at
O’Connor Mortuary
25301 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

And a Memorial Service on
Monday, March 2 at 10:00am
and reception following at
Mount of Olives Lutheran Church.
24772 Chrisanta Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

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5 responses to Leigh F. Croskrey

  1. Lisa Kahn says:

    In memory of Leigh who was so incredibly PROUD of his amazing daughter Katie and her many accomplishments. I drank margarita’s in his home on the occasion of Katie’s 40th Birthday and remember him fondly!

    Lisa Kahn

  2. Rachel Allen says:

    Croskrey family, my heart goes out to you in saying goodbye to your dad and grandpa. Vicki, my condolences on the passing of your husband.

    My earliest memories of Mr. Croskrey were at his Mission Viejo home. I’d stop by to pick up Katie. We’d be off to a high school band concert or football game. When Katie began driving as a teenager, we’d hop into “Bubba,” her Volkswagen bug, and Mr. Croskrey would want to know where we were going and when we’d return. In hindsight, I’m not sure if he was more concerned about Katie’s safety or Bubba’s protection as a historical relic. He had a fondness for that car.

    What I recall most is that in every meeting, Mr. Croskrey would stop and question me about how I was doing. He would ask. He would listen. And in the conversation, his dry wit and humor would emerge. As seasons of life changed, from graduations or milestone birthdays, to my marriage and raising children, he was interested. Never sappy. But intentional. He’d ask about my folks, my brother, my kids. It was that kind of caring (peppered with feigned complaining and tartness) that made him different from other adults. Maybe it was the educator in him, always wanting to learn and taking the time to see growth.

    More recently, I got to glimpse the special bond that Leigh shared with Katie as dad and daughter. I have that kind of love for my dad, so I can only imagine the hole that will be left behind by Leigh’s absence. Even during treatments, whether on a cell phone call in the car or a visit in the hospital, Mr. Croskrey would still ask about me. That is a sweet memory and gift — being able to care for others when needing it yourself.

    Mr. Leigh Croskrey, you have lead a life well-lived. it has been my honor to know you and be touched by your spunky spirit. <3

  3. Nita Tanner says:

    I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Croskrey but I have have the honor of working with his daughter. She speaks of him with pride and love and humor and I could feel the love and respect that she had for him and from the stories she tells, he had the same for her. I know he has raised his daughter to be a wonderful human being and that says a tremendous amount about his character. My heart, love and prayers go out to Katie and her family at this difficult time.

    Nita Tanner

  4. Alisa Curry says:

    Leigh and I have always shared a special story and while I know that he would not want me to share the details here, I will say that we’ve seen each other at our most vulnerable moments, even when things were rocking and rolling and been able to laugh about it – however BRIEF they were!

    I will miss his rapid fire questions about how i’m doing, my job, my life and his hip! He’s known me more than half of my life and his opinion has mattered to me just as much as my OWN family, which is a true sign of respect for someone! He was a great guy, a cool dude (which he once said he wanted to be known by, jokingly) and he had a hand in making a great family. They’re going to miss you, Leigh, but we will all look out for them!!

    So sorry I won’t be there today with everyone!

    Love, Alisa

  5. The best legacy that a man can leave this world is that of a wonderful family who will go forth and continue his good works.. As evidenced by the wonderful gathering of family members yesterday, Leigh has indeed left a marvelous legacy, which is a tribute to the great man that he was. Thank you, Leigh, for leaving this world a better place. May your family always feel presence shining down upon them from above.

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