Dr. Willard B. Crosley; Retired Physician

Dr. Willard B. Crosley, a retired obstetrician-gynecologist and former chief of staff of Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, has died at his Glendale home. He was 79.

Crosley died Nov. 20 of complications from a fall in July, said his wife, Dr. Donna C. Crosley.

He was born July 1, 1911, in Chicago and received his medical degree from Western Reserve University in Cleveland in 1940.

Six years later, he opened his practice in Burbank and joined the staff of Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center.

In 1949, Crosley relocated to Glendale, where he practiced with the group of Wilkinson, Crosley & McNicholas. He served as the hospital’s chief in 1966 and as chairman of its board of directors in 1980-81. He retired in 1984 after delivering more than 5,000 babies, according to his wife.

Crosley was a member of the Los Angeles County Medical Assn. and the Los Angeles County Obstetrical and Gynecological Society.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dr. Donna C. Crosley, a pediatrician; son Jon Crosley of South Pasadena; daughter Madeline Rasmuson of Sebastopol, Calif.; four brothers and two grandchildren.

A graveside service is scheduled today at 11 a.m. at Grand View Memorial Park, 1341 Glenwood Road, Glendale. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service in Burbank is handling the arrangements.

Donations can be made in Crosley’s name to the Nursing Education Fund at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center or to Grandview Presbyterian Church in Glendale.