Harry Liston Cross Sr., 96, of Bridgton, died Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at his home in Bridgton.

“Bump,” as he was known to family and friends, was born on Nov. 19, 1925, in Portland and raised by George and Lillian Cross. He attended local schools.

On Nov. 11, 1944, he married, Bernice “Betty” Ash. The very next day, he left for the service and had an extensive and exciting career in the U.S. Navy.

Harry served during WWII with Navy special forces and was involved in the European Theater of Operations. Specifically, Harry worked within the Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) aboard the LCI-525 amphibious vessel. A 16-week special course on International Morse Code communication was necessary to work on that ship including the use of flashing light, flag waving, and even eye blinking. Use of 20-millimeter rounds happened every third or fourth shift and because some of them were tracer bullets included in the ammo pattern, no sights were used.

His travels took him to various places throughout the world including Italy and eventually back to the States and seeing it decommissioned and transferred to Russia in Alaska. Crossing the equator and how it affected the magnetic compass forcing the men to use gyros was always a fun topic of conversation for Harry during his time as a Navy man. He enjoyed playing guitar with a Navy choir and was the recipient of various commendations.

His return to Maine and Betty saw them live for a time in Naples before settling in Bridgton. As a young man to support his family he worked for Dielectric, Maine Machine, had his own bread delivery route, delivered home heating oil and worked in the woods. He settled into excavating and started Cross Construction where he did everything from the site excavation and septic system work to building the house. He also became certified with the DEP for waterfront excavation which made him a valuable resource in the Lake Region area. A tremendous source of pride was having put in the first septic system for the Bridgton Town Hall, building the Jr. Harmon Field in Bridgton and playing a role in the construction of the RADR Sports Complex “Field of Dreams” in Harrison.

Harry brought his grandson, Shawn Morgan on board with him in his work and renamed the business, Morgan & Cross Construction as he neared retirement.

Harry was very involved in countless organizations over the years including the local snowmobile club, LEA, the town’s Shoreland Zoning and Budget committee and as a lifetime member of the Odd Fellows. He was also proud of his perfect attendance to Bridgton’s annual town meetings.

Harry is survived by a son, Larry Cross and his wife, Sonia of Texas; a daughter, Crystal Morgan of Bridgton; six grandchildren, Shawn Morgan and his wife, Sherry of Bridgton, Nicky Desjardins and her husband, Dale of Bridgton, Becky Ingersoll of Waterford, Missy Morgan of Auburn, Jan Olsen and her husband, Nick of Texas, and Patrick Cross and his wife, Tanya of Colo.; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty of 75 years on Feb. 20, 2020; a son, Harry Cross Jr.; son-in-law, Steve.

A graveside service for Harry will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at the Oak Dale Cemetery on the Jesse Mill Road in Bolster’s Mills. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco, where condolences, tributes and “Harry stories” may be shared at www.hallfuneralhome.net.