Jason “Moose” Edward Crosby passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Essex Junction, Vt., in the early morning of Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Jason was born in Ohio on July 15, 1976. Jason was a die-hard Ohio Buckeyes and New England Patriots fan. A talented fisherman, he built many memories on Squam Lake in New Hampshire with his stepfather, Don Astorian. Jason was passionate about his Scots-Irish heritage and planned a trip to Scotland with his wife, Tabitha, to visit his homeland.
Jason was an honorable veteran, serving six years as a medic in the U.S. Army and deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 to 2008 in Iraq, where he met his sons’ mother. He was very proud to have served his country.
He was a gentle giant who cared deeply about his family and friends. He happily lent a hand to anyone. He was a personal master trainer at the Edge Sports & Fitness for more than 12 years, with more than 23 years of experience in fitness. Jason’s passion, however, was being a powerlifting coach. Jason was highly respected in the powerlifting community. He was known for hosting “Moose Meets,” which he held for free to give lifters a sense of what a real meet would entail. He taught them along the way about commands, technique and judging. He always made time to help someone with any questions, even if they weren’t a client.
Jason was also seen making smoothies, giving advice on supplements and “talking shop” at Greene Mountain Smoothies in Williston. Jason was employed part time at GMS for more than a decade. His smile always made customers feel welcome. Jason brought countless people together, from gathering the fellas to share stories over a glass of whiskey — “Sláinte” — to connecting various circles of people. He also loved to deejay, using his skills to elevate the love with sweet rhythms and pumping beats.
For Jason, everyone was family.
Jason leaves behind his wife, Tabitha, his Valkyrie. They were united in marriage by Joseph Porcelli. Joseph was Jason’s lifelong best friend and brother. Jason and Tabitha were looking forward to starting their lives in a new home at the end of August. There, they planned to build more amazing memories with their blended family in love. Jason also leaves his three children, daughter Marsela Dale (his Hummingbird) and sons R.J. and Mason Crosby-McKay, and the boys’ mother, Michaelyn McKay SSG USA (Ret.). Jason also leaves behind his mother, Kathleen Astorian; his sisters, Emily and Kristen Astorian; and his stepfather and fishing buddy, Don Astorian. Jason’s passing will bring him to reunite with his deceased father, Ronald Dean Crosby.
Please join us in honoring Jason’s life on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Minor Funeral Home in Milton, Vt. Calling hours will be noon to 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Jericho Café & Tavern in Jericho, Vt., from 3 to 5 p.m. We hope you will share your memories about Jason “Moose” and remember the love he had for all of us. To make a donation to support Jason’s wife, Tabby, you can contribute to the GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-jason-moose-crosby. A GoFundMe in support of Jason’s two sons is at https://gofund.me/a570e1ba.
Alternatively, donations would be appreciated for joshpallottafund.org.
This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2025.
Seeing this huts hard. I served with him in Iraq while he was saving lives. A very cool guy and amazing human being. The world needs more people like him. Bless his family & loved ones. Til Valhalla brother.
Condolences and prayers for strength and peace for his family and friends. 🙏🏽🙏🏽 I served with him in Hanau, Germany in the 127th MP Company as medics for the company. He was a great soldier. He would workout with me after work to help me improve on my PT. He was a giant compared to me. He was always caring for our soldiers and loved helping teaching our soldier in the training we had to conduct. Brother you will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you for your service to our Country 🇺🇸🫡