Major William F. McCrystal, Jr., USAF Ret. was born in Medford, Massachusetts, on February 18, 1924, and died in San Antonio, on October 15, 2002, after a long, agonizing illness. He bore his affliction with great courage, patience and grace.
He was a highly decorated fighter pilot, the captain of the high-school track team, competing in short and long races, pole vaulting, and high jumping. Well into his old age, he still ran in the Boston Marathon.
He was a gifted musician, highly extroverted, sang, and played numerous instruments, and as a teenager, had his own band. He was an English major and Russian minor in college.
He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Captain Mary Z. McCrystal 1960 and his long time love, Irene Cha Cha Banas 1998; his parents, Colonel and Mrs. William F. McCrystal, Sr.; and his sister, Shirley McCrystal Walsh.
Survivors include his sister, Dr. Irene McCrystal of Mico, TX, who relished his company; his best friend, Gerry Szczebak of Chicopee, Massachusetts; several cousins, one nephew and one grandnephew.
Au revoir, charming Billy, till we meet again.
