Father Robert (Bob) Crossmyer, a Passionist priest of the Holy Cross Province, died March 17. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 21, 1947, the son of Elmer and Dorothy Crossmyer. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Latin and history and a master’s in Latin, all from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He professed vows as a Passionist on Aug. 18,1984. His philosophy and theology studies were completed at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, earning him a Master of Divinity. Father Crossmyer was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1988. 

During his priesthood, he served on the preaching team at Holy Name Retreat Community in Houston from 1988 to 1994 before being assigned to Immaculate Conception Church in Chicago as assistant pastor from 1994 to 1995.

For over 20 years, Father Crossmyer served at his beloved Holy Family Parish in Birmingham as pastor, assistant pastor, local superior and teacher at Holy Family High School which became Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School.

In 2018, he was assigned to Sacred Heart Community in Louisville, Kentucky, and resided at Nazareth Home-Highlands. He was a constant presence for residents seeking anointing of the sick, reconciliation, or just a heart to give comfort and peace and share the Passion of Jesus.

Father Crossmyer’s funeral was held March 26 at the St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center Chapel in Detroit, Michigan. Locally, a memorial Mass will be held April 13 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ensley at 11 a.m. The church is located at 1910 19th Street. Memorials may be sent to the Passionist Community at 1924 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205-1424.