Robert Bruce “Bing” Crosby, age 78, of Lansdale, Pa., passed on January 26, 2026.
Born on August 28, 1947 in Eustis, Florida, he was the son of the late Robert and Ellen (nee Loshbaugh) Crosby. He had two brothers, Hal, who preceded him, and Rodney. He also had countless friends from grade school all the way through to today.
Between 1965 and 1969 he served honorably in the U.S. Navy, aboard The USS Shangri-la CVA 38 and was part of the “Purple Gang”; Refueling Division on the flight deck.
He married Louise (nee Barber) Crosby on June 11, 1972, in Clearwater, Florida.
Bing earned his bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education at the University of Florida, his masters degree in Health and Human Performance at University of South Florida, and his principal certification at Penn State University.
He was a Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director, Coach, Assistant Principal at schools in Florida, Connecticut, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Bing Crosby served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Keith Valley Middle School from 2000–2011. He continued to substitute teach at KV and North Penn School district from 2012 through 2022.
Mr. Crosby embodied the qualities of class, loyalty and hard work. He not only showed respect to everyone around him, but he earned respect from all those who worked with him.
His friendly, caring personality helped students and staff to feel comfortable and accepted.
An annual award was created in his honor at Keith Valley middle school. The Robert “ Bing” Crosby award will be given to an 8th grade boy and girl student leader by the Keith Valley Administration who share the ideals and qualities that Mr. Crosby demonstrated during his years at KV.
He was a devoted parishioner at St. Stanislaus Church and former President of the Philadelphia Gator Club.
•. •. •. • •
ABOUT BING
He was larger than life and the unquestioned life of the party. No matter where the family lived, he had a gift for turning every house into a gathering place, famously transforming basements into welcoming bars for friends, neighbors, teammates, and anyone who happened to stop by. He loved organizing pub crawls, hosting parties, and bringing people together, often turning strangers into lifelong friends by the end of the night.
A proud University of Florida graduate, he carried his love for the Gators everywhere he went. After moving from Florida to Philadelphia, he and Louise knowing no one, he became president of the local Gator Club, creating a community where people felt instantly welcomed. His enthusiasm, warmth, and booming school spirit drew people in and made them feel like they belonged.
Sports and education were not just professions for him, but lifelong callings. He began his career as a physical education teacher at several schools in Florida, where he quickly became known for his energy, encouragement, and ability to connect with students. Over the years, he served as an athletic director and coached football both for high school as a head coach and college quarterback coach at Ursinus College. He also coached a number of sports ranging from swimming to track to beer pong!, mentoring countless young athletes both on and off the field
His leadership eventually led him into school administration, serving as an assistant principal in Connecticut and later at Keith Valley Middle School, where he finished his career. There, he was known by students and staff alike, someone who knew the kids, supported the teachers, and showed up every day with enthusiasm and heart. Through both education and coaching, he left a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, shaping not only athletes, but people.
Above all else, he was devoted to his wife Louise, their marriage of over 53 years is steadfast, faithful and deeply loving. They truly chose each other every day. His love for her, and his children, was constant, selfless, and unwavering and it remains one of the greatest examples of commitment and faith. Finally, he was a devoted father and proud Papa – there for every milestone, every challenge, and every celebration turned pub crawl!
•. •. •. • •
He is survived by his wife, Louise Crosby, and children Kristin Crosby Miller and Eric Crosby (Colette); grandchildren, Maizy, Xander, Bruce, and Reed; and his brother, Rodney.
He was brother-in-law to Kathy and John Herndon, Kim and Glenn Barber, Rick Barber (deceased), and uncle and great uncle to more than 30 children, cousins, and countless friends.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, brother, Hal and brother-in-law Rick Barber.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11 am, at St. Stanislaus Church. Visitation precedes the service, beginning at 10 am and ending at 10:50 am. Interment will be at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, Florida, at a date and time to be announced.
Memorial gifts to the American Cancer Society and Wounded Warriors are appreciated.
Bing was an amazing educator and I’m blessed to have worked with him. He truly cared for each and every student and taught me so much early in my career. He was also my favorite Gator to banter with (go Noles!). He’s truly missed.
What a wonderful role model for supporting teachers and students. It was a pleasure to work with Bing and he will truly be missed
My family and I were beyond fortunate to know Bing Crosby. He was one of the first people we met when we moved to Clearwater from Minnesota in 1976. Bing was basically the mayor of our incredible neighborhood, El De Oro West. The Crosby house and specifically Bing’s garage bar were the gathering places for the neighborhood. Bing was the first Florida Gator that I ever met and helped inspire in me a lifelong love of the University of Florida. My wife Cheryl and I loved seeing Bing and Louise for Gators games at The Swamp in the 90s and early 2000s. Bing had a heart of gold and will never be forgotten by so many of us who were fortunate enough to grow up in El De Oro West. Our condolences to Louise, Kristin and Eric.
Jay & Cheryl Roesch
Bing,
There are no words to describe the positive impact you have had on my family’s life.From the time you and Dad met as teachers at Bauder Elementary -you and Louise embraced my Dad, late Mom and myself..Coming from PA to this new place -we felt like we had FL Family because of you.I was 10.
Fifty years of friendship.I have never quite met anyone quite like you.The kindest, most loyal, dearest man I know. A beautiful soul who could make me laugh like nobody else..Your love for life and the way you dealt with adversity -well I don’t know how to describe it..
You were such a loyal friend.You always showed up ..you always were there to support us ..I’m so glad Mom got to spend time with you all.As her life was cut short, I’m so glad she knew you the family and enjoyed time with you all.She adored you all.
I’m so glad you all were at my daughter Morgan’s recent wedding..You always were so supportive of her endeavors at UF…I never imagined the last time I would physically see you would be in the lobby of hotel the day after the wedding..
As I write this -I think of all the great times at your house in Fl, Gainesville, you driving your whole family up to my wedding in PA in”88 and then when you all moved( we all still kept in touch because these kinds of friendships don’t end with distance) we still saw each other …Your regular visits to FL made it all so much better as the Clearwater gatherings allowed so many of us to regular see you all ..You “were” Clearwater..
You were and will always be family…I can’t thank you enough for being the great friend you were to my father all these years ..I’ll be honest -from the moment I heard -a switch has shut off inside me-I just can’t believe you’re gone..Your service to your country, your service and dedication to all the students’ lives you have touched and your loyalty to your wife and family and friends ..well you are truly one of the BEST men I have ever known.
I feel honored to have been a part of your life. I wish I could type even one tenth of the incredible times and great memories my family have experienced because of you.You should still be here… Thank you for being you…Your beautiful family will carry on your legacy…I don’t want to stop typing ..so much more I want to say….Until we meet again, Gator..
Love you,
Kelly (Cheripko) Vicites
I will miss Bing he was a great shipmate ! My Condolences to his wife and his family! Fair Winds and Following Seas Bing know that we have the Watch Brother
I’ve known Bing him since 1965. He was cool, calm, and softly shy, with a steady presence that stayed with you. I gave him the nickname “Bing,” after Bing Crosby. We shared many moments together in the Navy , cooking together, working together, and going on liberty as a group. He was a good man, a loving father, and always loyal to his ’57 Chevy. I will miss him greatly.
Truly one of the best people I have ever met!
Time spent at the Gator Club with Bing and Louise will never forget!
This world is definitely better off knowing such an amazing human being! As I always said in posting Go Gators! My prayers and thoughts go out to Louise, children, grandchildren and all who Bing deeply touched.
He was truly one of a kind
Cyd
What a great fellow to work with! The laughter and one liners. He will be missed Vaya Con Dios MI Amigo
What a great fellow to work with! The one liners and laughter that came with it. He was a blast at Hooters in Clearwater. He will be missed by many
Saddened by the news that Bing passed. He was an outstanding person and wonderful administrator. I always felt honored helping him with the KV Veteran breakfast. He will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in Peace shipmate.
Bing Crosby was one of the classiest, warmest and most supportive administrators and educators I ever had the honor of serving with during my teaching career. He always had a smile, a kind word and loved to talk sports. He frequently told me how much my students liked me and thanked ME for a great year at the conclusion of each school year. He was a true throwback! I would have ran through a brick wall for Bing! He hosted back-to-school and end-of-year staff parties at his home in Lansdale, helped to organize an annual pub crawl in Manayunk for charity and posted Friday morning trivia for the teaching staff at KV, giving lanyards and water bottles as prizes. Bing was a natural at creating a positive, inclusive and enjoyable work atmosphere for the KVMS staff. He was the definition of a leader. Thank YOU for eleven of my best school years Bing! You were an exemplary colleague and person and a true blessing in my life. Godspeed to Louise and the rest of the family. Stew Gross
So sorry to hear, Louise! The description seems all there, from what I remember of him! I know you have a lot of great memories; never be afraid to enjoy them.
So sorry to hear of Bing’s passing. Louise our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bing and I were shipmates on the USS ShangriLa and Bing and Louise came to several Reunions where he was always the life of the party. Sail on Bing. Al & Gwen Miller
We are so sad to hear about Bing’s passing. For so many years in Casey Key, he was such a joyful, fun presence, and being around him always made things brighter. He will be deeply missed, and we hold all of you in our hearts.
Ute & Martin Sportschuetz
Save a cold one for me…until we meet again…!
Bing, although we have been apart for many years, we somehow always kept in touch. I’ll miss you “Vern” and all the great times we had together. Till we meet again, “This Bud’s for you.”
Andy.