Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father John W. Crossin died at the age of 75 May 12 after a brief illness.
A teacher, theologian, author and scholar, Father Crossin was an expert in the field of Christian ecumenism and interreligious dialogue.
He was born May 17, 1947, in Philadelphia, the oldest of four children of John William and Marie (Astley) Crossin. He attended Father Judge High School in Philadelphia and joined the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales after graduation in 1965. He made his perpetual profession in 1971.
He earned a bachelor’s in mathematics from Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales (now DeSales University) in Center Valley, Pa. He also earned master’s degrees in theology and psychology from The Catholic University of America in Washington.
He was ordained a priest May 15, 1976, at Our Lady of Ransom Church in Philadelphia. In 1982, he earned a doctorate in moral theology from Catholic U.
In 1999, Father Crossin was appointed the executive director of the Washington Theological Consortium, where he served for 14 years. During this time, he also taught at several theological schools, including Catholic U., Wesley Theological Seminary, Virginia Theological Seminary, and Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary.
From 2012 to 2017, he served as executive director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington.
Throughout his many years in the Washington and Northern Virginia area, he ministered on weekends at different parishes including Our Lady of Good Counsel in Vienna and St. John Neumann in Reston.
In 2022, his most recent book was published: “Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm for Christian Ethics.” He retired to Reston that same year.
Father Crossin is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his Oblate confreres, his brother James (Kathy), his brother Robert (Barbara), his sister Ann Larkin (Joseph), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The wake will be held May 17 at St. John Neumann Church in Reston, 1-3 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 3 p.m.
Another viewing will be held at the Oblate Retirement Residence in Childs, Md., May 18, 10-11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Oblate Cemetery.
