WILLIAM A. CROSS Jr. MMCM (SS) USN, Ret.
LEDYARD: William A. Cross, Jr. MMCM(SS), USN, Ret. went out with a bang on July 4, 2009.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Irene M. (Dollard) Cross; his four children William, Thomas(Laura), Rita(Paul) Van Steenbergen, and John(Peg) all of Connecticut; 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He will be sadly missed by his sisters: Kathleen(Les) Crump of Troy NY; Barbara(Charles) Foy; Alice Doriguzzi of Arvada Colorado, and many nieces and nephews.
Born May15, 1929, the son of Gertrude (Shoemaker) and Dr. William A. Cross, DDS in Jamaica, LI, NY, he graduated from Power Memorial High in NYC. Enlisting in the Navy in October, 1950, he started a career of 30 years transiting the world. He was stationed on the USS Wisconsin(BB-64) during the Korean War and graduated sub school(Groton) in 1960. Known throughout his life as "Red", he was known by his men as "COB" Chief of the Boat on his last two subs, USS H.L. Stimson and USS Ben Franklin. Upon his Navy retirement in January, 1981, he worked for Supervisor Shipbuilding (SupShip) Groton
as a government inspector for the TRIDENT class subs, retiring again in October, 1999.
His dedication and love of country guided him as a consummate professional gaining the respect of his men and the many officers he served with who willingly sought his guidance. They all thought the world of him. He was well regarded as a knowledgeable professional in everything he did. There will only be one "Red" Cross.
Red's family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Historic downtown Mystic on Tuesday, July 7th from 5 to 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 8th at 10:30am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Rte. 12, Gales Ferry. Burial with presentation of military honors will follow at Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, Ledyard CT.
To share a message of remembrance or condolence with Red's family, please click the link below.