ROCKLAND & NAPLES — On Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, Robert A. Cross, Jr. went to his heavenly home, with his family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bob was born to Robert A. Cross, Sr and Kathleen Vose on April 21, 1943, in Rockland.  He was raised by his grandfather, Alvenus Cross and his grandmother, Elizabeth MacKenzie, whom he referred to as “mama.”

Bob, proudly served in the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War, where he developed complications from Agent Orange.  He was an avid lobsterman in Rockland for most of his life. He absolutely loved being on the water, as well as, swinging his golf clubs, playing bingo, gambling and loved hunting. He could tell you hunting stories every day! 

After Bob retired, he and Diane spent some time exploring different areas of Florida, a wonderful Alaskan cruise and a trip to Scotland, where he met extended family. He looked forward to the yearly summer family reunions. Thanks to COVID, that got cancelled this year.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, grandparents and his sister, Nancy Gorman. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Cross of Naples; his children, Robin (Scott) Snell, Wendy Bickford and Stephen (Amy) Cross, Joseph (Martha) DeCesere, Kim (Eric) Merrill and Denise (Doug) Petersen; sisters, Kathleen Profenno, Priscilla (Roger) Palmer, Rosemare (John) Rinaldi, Candy Barnes, Amelia (Mike) Fennelly, Roberta Cross Coccia; brothers, Bernard (Linda Vose) and Charles Cross (Holly Sweet), Russell Lawrence (Kathy) and Floyd Lawrence.  Bob will also be greatly missed by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and a sister-in-law.

The family would like to thank The Maine Cancer Center, Dr. Emerson and his nurse, Crystal, as well as Southern Maine Hospice.

A memorial graveside service with military honors for close family and friends, was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress Street, Portland.  Following the service, a celebration of Bob’s life was held from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Elks Club, 1945 Congress Street, Portland, ME, 04102.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Robert A. Cross, Jr. to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN  38101-9929 or at stjude.org/wemissyou to donate online. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road, Casco.  Bob’s family invites you to share your kind words, condolences and tributes with them at www.hallfuneralhome.net.