Stephen Stark Cross died peacefully at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center on July 15, 2020 in Albany, New York at the age of 69.
Stephen was born in Elizabethtown, NY on March 23, 1951 the eldest son of the late Elvin Warren and Katherine Stark Cross of Essex NY. He graduated from Willsboro Central School in 1969 and enlisted in the US Navy in 1970 and served aboard the USS Mauna Kea during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1974. After returning home he began crafting his trade as a skilled carpenter. He is remembered as a kind person who deeply loved his family and was always happy to help his friends. He was a loving father and grandfather who was always available when a shoulder or ear was needed and encouraged his daughter and granddaughter to pursue their goals.
Stephen was a generous individual who loved animals, especially those which were abused and/or abandoned and animals gravitated to his gentle manner.
Stephen is survived by his daughter Jolene (Jim) Hopkins and grandson Ezra of New Baltimore, NY; his beloved granddaughter Zoë Heald and great-granddaughter Kaiya McIntosh of Coeymans, NY; his sisters Delia (Edward) Moore of Honolulu, HI, Betsy (Dale) Hathaway of Mayfield, NY, his brothers Elvin Cross Jr of Great Falls, MT, Peter (Karen) Cross of Cumming, GA and John Cross of Plattsburgh, NY; step granddaughters Alexis Bruno and Fiancé Kenneth Aubin of Saratoga Springs, NY and Madison (Jackson) Ivey of South Hill, WA; and his many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral will be scheduled at a later date when all family and friends can gather and celebrate his life and memory. A notice will be published with the service dates. Condolences can be sent to
www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com
.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the North Country SPCA in his name
http://www.ncspca.org/help/donations
(518)873-5000.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center for their dedication to his care, especially those on 8B. A very special thank you to Dr. Pasquale and Nurse Greg of the hematology/oncology unit, he greatly appreciated their kindness and respect and considered them friends.