Bernard 'Mel' Crosby, 98, found peace with the Lord November 14th, 2024, in his home surrounded by the love of family. Born in Chicopee, June 17, 1926, he was a West Springfield resident since 1956. Mel graduated from Chicopee H.S. and Northeastern University. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps during WWII. He was married to the "love of his life" Beatrice (Patterson) Crosby on June 26th, 1948, with whom he celebrated 70 loving years. He dedicated 44 years of service as Treasurer, Comptroller, and Clerk to the Springfield Newspapers. A man deeply committed to his community, Mel was a Trustee of the W.S. Boys & Girls Club and the Big E. He also served as Chairman of the W.S. Finance Committee. Mel was a long-time active member of the Mittineague Congregational Church. He was a Master Mason for 70 years and a W.S. Rotarian. He leaves two daughters, Sue Winterle and partner Roland Lemieux of Middleton, MA, and Sandi Forni and partner Marvin Blakley of Agawam, MA, 4 grandchildren: and their spouses Dave Winterle and Carey Dawson, Matt and Jess Winterle, Jess and Marc Iorio, Steve and Caroline Forni. He also leaves 8 great grandchildren: Charlotte, Sam, James and Benny Winterle, Maddie and Clara Iorio, and Luca and Ellie Forni. Mel was predeceased by his wife Bea and his son-in-law Ken Forni. Following a private burial, a one-hour visitation with family will be held Saturday, Nov.23rd at 11:00am in the Agawam Curran-Jones Funeral Home, 745 Cooper Street followed by a celebration of Mel's life at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Macular Degeneration Foundation PO Box, 515 Northampton, MA 01061 or W.S. Boys & Girls Club, 615 Main St, West Springfield, MA 01089. The family wishes to give their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers, Stephanie, Tina, Gina, and numerous others, who provided compassionate care, which allowed Mel to remain in his own home until his passing. The family would also like to thank Kelly at the V.A. and Hospice of Western and Central MA. Mel was a man of great faith, quiet confidence, generosity, and persevering spirit. He approached life with a ready smile, quick wit, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Heaven will undoubtedly be a bit funnier with Pops's arrival.