Howard G. Croxton

Howard George Croxton (affectionately known as “George” to family and loved ones) was born on September 18, 1937 in Schenectady, NY to his devoted parents, Jesse Croxton, Sr. and Fannie (Crossley) Croxton. George was called home on April 17, 2021 when he passed away peacefully in Boston, MA.

George attended Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, NY where he was a star athlete, excelling in football and track & field, particularly the high jump and hurdling. After high school graduation in June of 1956, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on the USS Brush 745 & USS Jarvis 799 – Naval Destroyers (Destroyers are small, fast warships, especially equipped for a defensive role against submarines and aircraft). George was an extremely proud patriot who served his country with integrity.  He received an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1963.  Later in life, he became an active member of the National Association of Destroyer Veterans, affectionately known as “Tin Can Sailors”.  When he wore his hat, he would smile so wide when people on the street would ask him about the sailors.

Soon after completing his Naval service, he made his home in Boston, MA where he was introduced by a friend to Pearl Lipscomb – the love of his life – and they wed on January 28th, 1967.  George and Pearl are the proud parents of the late Rachel Lynn Lipscomb-Croxton, Celeste Jessica Croxton-Tate and Tarra Fanyell Croxton.

On May 7, 1971, George completed his training at the Boston Police Academy to become an officer with the Massachusetts Capitol Police. His service with the Capitol Police began in 1973.  George received his Associate in Science (1980) and Bachelor of Science (1982) from Northeastern University while working the midnight shift and attending classes during the day.  In 1992, with the consolidation of the Capital Police and Massachusetts State Police, George became a MA State Trooper. He retired in 2007 after 36 years of dedicated and dutiful public service.

In 2003, George became a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Jurisdiction of Massachusetts. With his induction into this historic African Lodge #459, he joined the ranks of the oldest Black Organization in America that was founded on March 6, 1775 to promote brotherhood and social justice.

In retirement, George enjoyed spending time with his wife, Pearl his three grandchildren: Victor, Lake and Horizon.  He could be found most warm summer days sitting on the porch, enjoying a Coors Light as he instructed his daughter, Celeste, on how to grill his favorite food. He also loved listening to his favorite Motown tunes, especially songs by Gladys Knight and Jimmy Smith, watching old-time “western” movies, and growing (and then eating) “Big Boy” Tomatoes. Most of all he was a dedicated family man.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Pearl (Lipscomb) Croxton of Boston MA; daughters, Celeste Croxton-Tate and Tarra Fanyell Croxton, of Boston, MA; three Grandchildren: Victor Howard- Lee Berry, Lake Isiah-George Berry and Horizon Pearl Croxton-Starwood, all of Boston, MA; and his sister, Dorothy Croxton of Albany, NY. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, Jesse and Fannie Mae Croxton; brothers, Jesse Croxton, Jr., Nathaniel Croxton, and James Henry Croxton, and sisters, Lillian Croxton and Ruby Croxton, and his daughter Rachel Lynn.

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