WEST LEBANON, NH — After a year-and-a-half battle with leukemia, Robert Joseph Cross (84) of West Lebanon, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on October 24.
Born in Alton, Illinois, in 1935 to Ray and Dina Cross, Robert spent most of his youth and young adulthood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his parents owned a restaurant. He served in the US Navy in California for several years in the 1950s, then taught elementary school in California and New Hampshire until he retired. He spent the last 20 years of his career as principal of Estabrook School in West Lebanon, New Hampshire. He was an active member of the West Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church and served many years there as an elder.
Robert was an avid reader and enjoyed watching Western and science fiction movies and British mysteries. He loved history, particularly Revolutionary and Civil War history, and collected books and memorabilia on the subjects as well as visiting many of the sites related to them. He traveled the United States widely and enjoyed many trips to California; Branson, Missouri; and Orlando, Florida with his family. He also enjoyed two trips to England with his wife, Daphne. He is remembered fondly for his sense of humor and his devotion to his family and students.
He is predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Daphne (Wheeler); his brother Bill Cross; and his grandson Nicholas Beeman. He is survived by his brother Myron Cross; his children from his first marriage, Donna Beeman (and her husband Carl), Mary Cross, and Robert Cross Jr. (and his wife Kim); his children with Daphne, Jeannette Crary (and her partner James Nzukie) and Rebecca Cross (and her fiance Jeffrey Ashe); grandchildren Kristin Crary, Keenan Crary, Kyell Crary, James Crary, Kimberly Beeman, Justin Beeman, Christine Alcala, Staci Colbert, Wyndi Cross, Jonathan Cross, Austin Cross, Robert Cross, and Nikki Cross; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held at Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon, NH Tuesday, October 29, from 6-8:00 P.M. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Providence Presbyterian Church in West Lebanon, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
To leave a message of condolence please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.