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William Crosby Obituary

Bill died February 25th from complications after having hip surgery. Born in Sacramento, a graduate of "Sac High", and later moving to Elk Grove, he started work at the now defunct Sacramento Union newspaper and became the night crime reporter at the city desk. Roaming the streets, getting the scoop, and writing the stories was a part of his life he really enjoyed. Survived by his wife Carole, children Susan and Stephen, grandkids Katrina and Marko and siblings Tom and Kathy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Mar. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for William Crosby

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Greg Meeks

February 26, 2025

I was just eating plain Lay´s potato chips and thinking about Croz.

Greg Meeks

February 27, 2024

Gone but definitely not forgotten.

Greg Meeks CSP-Solano.

Laura Santos

March 8, 2015

I started working at the Sacramento County Coroner's Office and talked to Bill almost daily (sometimes multiple times a day) until he left the Sacramento Union. I have fond memories of him coming into the office to "see what was going on" on his way to work. I don't ever recall anything but good humor and kindness coming from him. I have often thought of him and hoped that he was doing well.

Harry Williams

March 8, 2015

I met Bill when he joined the 69th PAD many years ago, and even though I outranked him, he became my mentor and friend. He taught me about proper journalism and would teach the new military journalists the right way to do the job. We laughed and joked a lot, and as friends always do, told one another tall tales.

Bill, my friend, my compatriot and, at times, my conscience, I'm going to miss him immensely. Part of me is now gone.

Tom Bristow

March 5, 2015

Bill and I grew up in the same East Sacramento neighborhood and we attended summer sessions together in high school. In September of 1969, Bill covered my police academy class for The Union; what a surprise that was for both of us. In his years since that time I always knew Bill to be an honest and accurate reporter in every sense of the word.

Liz Kanter

March 5, 2015

Bill was a great coworker; a good reporter and a heck of a nice guy. Sleep well Bill.

Curtis Campbell

March 5, 2015

I talked to Bill on most third watch shifts at the Coroner's Office from 1969 to 1972. We occasionally had penny ante poker games and guys from other departments sat in at times. Bill played with us a few times. One night a new man from another department asked who the civilian was after the game broke up. When I told him Bill was a reporter with The Union I thought the guy was going to have a stroke. Bill was a regular guy and good at his job. I'm sorry he is gone.

Greg Meeks

March 4, 2015

Carole,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I met "Croz" in 1997 when I went to work for the Dept. We'd talk at length about his crime reporting days for The Union. I'd stop by on occasion because he'd always say "stop by if the garage door is open". And it was always open. The Man lived on plain Lays potato chips and jelly beans. He will surely be missed.

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