Obituary of Robert H. Crosby

Robert H. Crosby, 77 MARBLEHEAD, MA -- Robert H Crosby, 77, of Salem and formerly of Marblehead, died peacefully on Wednesday January 31 with his family by his side following a year long battle against Cancer. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Jack and Elsie (Cate) Crosby. He was raised in Salem MA, then later lived in Chevy Chase MD, before returning to Marblehead and concluding this last five years living in Salem. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Ray and Dan Crosby. In his youth, Bob was a dedicated athlete where he played Varsity Football and Baseball at St John’s Prep, class of 1958. Off of the field, Bob was a hard worker, paying for his education by caddying at Salem Country Club. This made an enormous impact on young Bob. Energized from being named the Most Spirited Athlete of 1958, Bob headed off to Massachusetts Maritime Academy where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine and Electrical Engineering. He continued his football and baseball career while recognizing the importance of education. After graduation, he worked as an engineer and received a Masters Degree in Business Administration from George Washington University. Bob founded NonPublic Educational Services Inc. (NESI) in 1978 and served as its Chief Executive Officer and President. NESI provided educational services specializing in educating at-risk students who have experienced difficulty in school, providing them opportunities for a fresh start. He was responsible for all corporate operations with a workforce of more than 800 employees at 42 locations, serving over 15,000 students through Title I programs, charter school services, virtual high school programs, and military education and training to U.S. armed forces. He worked in education for more than 37 years and brought NESI to great heights, recognized 5-times by Inc. magazine (5-Time Inc. 5000 Honoree- 2012; 2011; 2010; 2009; 1985 #478) He was the former husband of Deborah (Wills) Crosby of Salem and the late Mary Lou (Flynn) Crosby. A longtime coach of all this children’s sports teams, Bob is survived by his children, Erin and her husband Stephen MacCallum of Marblehead, Kevin and his wife Holly Crosby of Marblehead, Christopher Crosby of San Jose, CA and by his step-son, Scott Freedson and his wife Jennifer Freedson of Beverly, his beloved 7 grandchildren, Tanner Freedson, Camden, Caroline, and Catie Riley Crosby, and Ellie, Flynn, and Maeve MacCallum and is also survived by his loving companion Harriet Kelliher of Salem. Bob’s family would like to thank Dr. Gregory Cote at the Mass General Cancer Center, Christina Kim, NP, and First Light Home Care Hospice for their professionalism, care, and compassion during this past year and are deeply grateful of their services. His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 5, 2018 beginning at 10:30AM at the Keefe Academic Center and Chapel on the campus of St. John’s Prep, 72 Spring St, Danvers MA to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.