Mr. David H. Crossan

David H. Crossan, CLU, former NFL football player, and six year resident of The Villages, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on November 6, 2019 at the age of 79 years old shortly after returning from a trip overseas with his adored wife, Nancy Conley Crossan of 55 years.

Dave was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents, David Haxton and Elva (Flannagan) Crossan, on June 8th, 1940. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Moler, and survived by his sister, Jean Fearn.

Dave graduated from Collingswood High School in 1959 and was named All-State center for the undefeated football team known as “The Golden Eleven.” After being widely recruited for Division I football, Dave committed to the University of Maryland and excelled at offensive and defensive tackle for the Terrapins’ football program. His squad was the first Terrapin team to ever beat Penn State in 1961, a feat that was not repeated until 2014. In 1962, he was awarded the Jim Tatum Outstanding Lineman award. As the teams’ co-captain in 1963, he accepted invitations to both the Blue-Gray and Senior Bowl Games. His career ultimately resulted in his induction into several Halls of Fame including Collingswood High School, Camden County and South Jersey.

In 1964, Dave graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Dave’s greatest accomplishment followed later that year when he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Conley Crossan. Dave was a third round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles, but it was the Washington Redskins for whom Dave played in 59 games over his five season long career. In his final 1969 season with the Redskins, Dave had the privilege of being coached by Vince Lombardi, a lifelong influence. Following his football career, Dave competed for the South Jersey Rugby Club into his 40’s, ran the Penn Relays Marathon, skulled in the senior Olympics trials and coached football at St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis and Kent Island High School in Stevensville, Maryland.

Dave and Nancy raised their children David, Wendy and Kelly, in Medford Lakes, New Jersey, where he developed a successful business protecting families and businesses with their insurance needs. He served for several community organizations but was known for spearheading the Memorial Day Run and Turkey Trot charitable events that continue to thrive. Every summer, Dave’s house was the home base of the famed Canoe Carnival float Group, “The Perfect 10.” Dave and Nancy later moved to Annapolis, Maryland, where Dave was well remembered by Redskin fans and could often be found boating the beautiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay with his grandchildren which would eventually grow in number to reach a total of nine. Over the years in Annapolis, their home was a haven for 20 Midshipman they sponsored from the U.S. Naval Academy, who became part of the family. Dave and Nancy kick-started their retirement with the purchase of an RV. That bus was supposed to be a wild vacation, but turned into a near-decade long adventure visiting with friends and creating endless stories. After discovering The Villages in Florida, Dave and Nancy made this their new home. Joining lifelong friends and recruiting others to move close, Dave enjoyed golfing, exercising and coffee time with friends.

Dave will be remembered most for his affable and generous personality, treasured for his honesty and loyalty, and deeply missed for the love and laughter that came to all that knew him. Dave’s commitment to family, team and community is represented by his gift of donation to curtail chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) for future generations of football players.

Dave is survived by his wife Nancy, his son David Keith Crossan and wife Beth Walbert Crossan, grandchildren Sarah, David, and Ryan, of Clearwater, Florida, daughter Wendy Crossan Ricci and husband Ronald Ricci, grandchildren Joelle and Lucas, of Wayne, New Jersey, and daughter Kelly Crossan Williams and husband Evan Williams, grandchildren Tristan, Sophia, Charlie, and Mason of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life at 12:30 pm on December 7, 2019, at the New Covenant United Methodist Church located at 3470 Woodridge Dr, The Villages, FL 32162. Following the service, all who attend the celebration are welcome to join us in fellowship where we invite you to share your personal adventures with Dave.