M. Robert Cross

M. Robert Cross, age 85, of Erie died Monday, June 1, 2015 at St. Mary’s at Asbury.

He was born March 16, 1930 in Erie, PA a son of the late Myers R. and Helen A. Tidman Cross.

Bob graduated from Academy High School, class of 1948 where he was in the band and excelled on the track team. That same year, he was inducted into the National Honor Society. Following graduation, he was active in planning and attending the 5 year reunions, up to the 65th year reunion.

He attended Penn State Behrend, Penn State Main Campus and graduated from Gannon College in 1956, with a BA degree in teaching. While he was there, he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. In 1968, he earned his MA from Gannon.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1953 and played trumpet in the 572nd Band at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM.

Bob was a teacher and taught English, World History and Music at Millcreek Township’s McDowell Senior High School and McDowell Intermediate High School for 33 years. He received the Millcreek School District’s “Teacher of the Month” award, as well as the “Hall of Flame” for his social studies activities beyond the classroom.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant since 1972 and sang in the choir since 1976, served as a deacon, elder and trustee, and taught Sunday school to children and adults. He was a member of Perry Keystone Lodge No. 392 F.& A.M., and a former member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Erie and Zem Zem Temple Shrine, where he also played trumpet in the brass band.

He passed his FAA flying exam Sept. 6, 1977, and received his private pilot’s license after graduating from the Erie based Cessna Flying School. He enjoyed flying around Erie County. He was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and Flying Aces Club. Bob also did extensive research on the history of all phases of aviation and frequently gave slide shows to interested organizations.

Bob had a keen interest in boating and enjoyed motoring and sailing in Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. He was a former member of the Erie Power Squadron.

Because of his love also for choral music, Bob sang tenor in the Erie Philharmonic Chorus since 1992.

He was a member of the Erie Torch Club, a dinner group that discussed current issues using guest speakers. Bob was also a member of the Erie Maennerchor, and the Presque Isle Region of AACA.

Since Bob always liked cars, especially antique cars, he was a member of the Antique Club of America (ACA). He enjoyed owning many antique cars, but especially loved Chevrolet Corvettes and owned a 1976 L-82 model.

As a member of A.F.M. he played trumpet in many big band dance ensembles and played 3rd trumpet in the Erie Philharmonic orchestra for 30 years. As a piano player he played many recitals and programs at local nursing homes and for the Pennsylvania Association for School Retirees, (PASR).

Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy, two sons, Robert Marshall Cross and his wife Nancy of Oil City, PA and Timothy Christopher Cross of Erie. He is further survived by the grandchildren: Sara (Michael) Billman, Charles and Elizabeth Cross and great grandchildren, Max and Piper Billman.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. are invited to attend a funeral service at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 247 West 6th Street on Saturday at 10 a.m. with Rev. Timm High officiating. Inurnment in Erie Cemetery with full military honors.

Perry Keystone Lodge No. 392 F.& A.M. will have a Masonic service Friday at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th Street, Erie PA 16501.