Alfred E. Cross

Gill, Massachusetts
Alfred E. "Al" Cross, 85, a resident of 63 French King Highway, died peacefully on Monday, November 19, 2018 at the Holyoke Soldier's Home, Holyoke, MA, following a period of declining health.

He was born on December 20, 1932 in Holyoke, MA to Alfred E. and Helen (Anderson) Cross and was educated in Northampton Public Schools. Alfred served honorably in the USN during the Korean Conflict, from 1952 until 1956, as a Seaman (E-3) aboard the U.S.S. Kawishiwi (AO146). Upon his return to civilian life, Alfred accepted a position with AmeriGas as a serviceman, retiring in 1994.

Alfred married the former Gail Simonds, on October 11, 1958 at the First Congregational Church of Greenfield and they celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier this year. Among his many interests, Al enjoyed candlepin bowling, playing cards (pitch, poker and cribbage) western movies, (in particular Audie Murphy) and Country Western music, watching wrestling, wood working (making picnic tables, bookcases, Adirondack chairs and yard windmills). Al was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, #997, Greenfield, MA.

In addition to his loving wife, he is remembered by his children: Russell (Sharon) Cross of Greenfield and Melissa Kretchmar of Turners Falls, MA. Al leaves his adoring grandchildren: Kerri (Jake) Pielock, Nicholas Cross and Carlie Kretchmar, as well as his great grandson Liam Pielock. He leaves his siblings: Bob Cross, Art (Lois) Cross, Charles (Shirley) Cross, Roy Cross, Kenneth (Pat) Cross, Betty Slahetka, Shirley (Francis) Wisell and Linda (Larry) Paradee.

As well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as by his siblings: Ronnie Cross, Dorothy Lapointe, Charlotte Engerman and Isabelle Williams.

Funeral services in celebration of his life and patriotism, will be observed on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA at 11:00AM. The Rev. Bruce Burks, Pastor of the Vernon Advent Christian Church, Vernon, VT will officiate. Interment will follow in the Green River Cemetery, with military honors to be rendered by a detachment of the USN in attendance. Members of the VFW Post #9874 of Northfield, MA, will provide a firing detail. Al's family will receive guests at the funeral home from 10:00AM until the time of the services. The Cross family respectfully requests that flowers be omitted, preferring instead that a charitable donation be considered in Al's memory to either theAlzheimer's Association, MA/NH Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02451 or to the Loyal Order of Moose, #997, 20 School Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.

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