Henry "Hank" Cross

Henry “Hank” Cross of Merrimac, MA passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on February 14, 2025 at his home after a patient and graceful battle with Lewy body dementia. 

Hank was born on August 21, 1942 in Chelsea, MA to the late Henry Cross, Sr. and Dorothy Birch Cross and grew up in Medford, MA. Hank had fond childhood memories of spending summers with cousinss on Beaver Lake in Derry, NH. Hank graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Cambridge, MA. He then went on to pursue an associate’s degree in aviation at Wentworth Institute. After graduation, he got a job working on jet engines at General Electric until he joined the US Navy. He was deployed as an A-6 aircraft mechanic on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. On July 29, 1967, a fire broke out on the Forrestal, a tragic accident which would take the lives of 134 sailors. During the fire, Hank bravely manned a fire hose. Hank was proud to have served on the Forrestal that day, and he continued to attend ceremonies commemorating the incident even decades later. 

After four years of service in the Navy, he settled in Burlington, MA and began working as a baggage attendant at Logan Airport for Allegheny Airlines which later became US Air. He joined the Winthrop Yacht Club and became an avid sailor. He spent many happy days sailing as far away as Nantucket. 

At the airport, he met his future wife, Patricia “Patti” Mullen, who he married on May 29, 1982 in Ogunquit, ME. Hank, a devoted and faithful husband, loved Patti dearly and made it his life’s work to provide for her care and well being. They would have celebrated their 43rd year of marriage this year. Having settled in Merrimac, MA, they had a son Jeremy of whom Hank was immensely proud and poured his heart into being a good father. 

Throughout the years, Hank, a creative soul, expressed his love of life with various interests and creative endeavors. At various times, he painted, sketched, created scrimshaw engravings, did woodworking, gardened, and made and flew model airplanes. Family members and friends would often remark that Hank excelled at whatever he put his mind to. 

Hank lived his life to serve his family and those with whom he shared his life. He did so selflessly and humbly, never seeking attention or praise. Although often quiet and reserved, those who knew him would attest to his strong presence, warm-heartedness, and gentle kindness. 

Hank, a devoted Catholic and follower of Jesus Christ, put his faith foremost, along with his commitment to his family and those whose life he touched. Hank valued time spent with his brothers in Christ at his Saturday morning men’s prayer group. Hank walked the walk, and his devotion to his faith manifested itself in the way he humbly lived his life with honor, commitment, and dedication each and every moment. 

He is survived by his wife Patti, son Jeremy, sister Kathleen, brother-in-law Bob, and several cousins, and he is predeceased by his brother-in-law, Martin “Marty” Mullen with whom he shared a special bond. 

A memorial service will be held in his name at the Church of the Nativity in Merrimac, MA on Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 AM. His family is forever grateful to friends and Beacon Hospice for their support and kindness. Arrangements were made by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac, MA 01860.