Robert Clinton Cross

Robert C. Cross, 85, passed away on February 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Agnes Carleen Cross (Née Dickhoff), as well as his loving children, John Robert Cross (Sherry), Jennifer Ann Cross Bay (William), and Catherine Carleen Steffens (Patrick), his dear sister, Susan Benecasa (Dominic), and loving grandchildren, Kary Atkinson, Annelise Bay, James Cooper Bay, Aislinn Cross, Margaret Steffens, and Michael Steffens. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Irvin Cross and Catherine Elizabeth Cross (Née Connolley), as well as his infant daughter, Agnes Elizabeth Cross.

Bob grew up on North Prospect Avenue in a house built by his parents John and Liz along with his sister, Sue. He worked at Eddie’s Supermarket bagging groceries, where he met Carleen. Bob was in the first graduating class from the "new" Catonsville High School in 1956 and then attended The University of Maryland at College Park where he earned a degree in Political Science in 1961. After receiving his commission from the United States Air Force, he married Carleen on September 8, 1962. He was trained in Florida to be a Forward Observer. Following that, he served on a radar base on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and then in Germany. Their son, Bob, was born in Michigan and daughters Jenny and Cathy were born in Germany. After his military career, the family returned to Catonsville where he continued his government service at the Social Security Administration.

Bob was an avid reader and birdwatcher ( feathered, Ravens and Orioles), a skilled woodworker, and a patient assistant to his wife,Carleen, in their beautiful garden. He took great pride in his son Bob’s service in the 82nd Airborne and the Maryland National Guard. Instilling values of learning and hard work, Bob was a guiding light for his children and grandchildren. He cherished family meals filled with laughter and stories, creating enduring memories for all. He was a beloved Grand Dad to Kary, Aislinn, Annelise, Coop, Maggie, and Mike.

Family and friends may gather for a visitation on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228. A Memorial Mass honoring Bob’s life will take place on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Monastery, 3801 Old Frederick Road, Baltimore, MD 21229. Private interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date. Memorial donations can be made in Robert’s name to the Retired School Sisters of Notre Dame or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.