Obituary for Rev. Robert A. Cross
Rev. Robert A. Cross, age 90, of River Forest, devoted son of the late John D. and Nellie X. Cross was born into eternal life on June 9. The youngest of 10 children, he was spoiled mightily and loved the attentions of his siblings who all preceded him in death: John, Helen, Ann, Edmund, Rev. Leonard, George, Mary, Kathleen, and Peggy. After an early retirement due to health, he spent 20 years as part of the Meek family, just a few doors down from where he grew up. He was loved by all and returned that love particularly through the sharing of Sacramental events and participating in family parties with good food and a hand of bridge. An avid golfer, he got his hole-in-one at age 86 on the 8th hole at Peninsula State Park. Ordained at Mundelein Seminary on May 1, 1952 he began his ministry at St. Mary’s in Lake Forest. After a few years he was invited to teach at Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary and, when the school was split, he moved to the South Side. His students dubbed him “Sleepy Bob” as he enjoyed dozing off occasionally during the period after lunch, a skill he maintained throughout his life. He served as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish on Keeler Ave. in Chicago before coming to Ascension Parish in Oak Park as the first Pastor appointee of Cardinal Bernardin, where he was later named the Pastor Emeritus. A graduate of St. Luke School in River Forest, Fr. Bob returned to the Parish after retirement where he had celebrated his first Mass and joyfully served the people and children there for 20 years. Fr. Cross lived the Social doctrine of the Church and engaged in furthering ecumenical unity. Visitation Tuesday, June 13 from 3 to 8 pm. at St. Luke Church, 7600 Lake St., River Forest. On Wednesday, June 14, Visitation and Funeral will be at Ascension Church, 801 S. East Ave beginning at 9:30 until Mass at 10:30 am.
Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mundelein Seminary or the Peace and Justice Organization of your choice are appreciated.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
13
Jun
3:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
St. Luke Church
7600 Lake St.
River Forest, IL 60305
Visitation
Wednesday
14
Jun
9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Ascension Church
808 S. East Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60304
Funeral Mass
Wednesday
14
Jun
10:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
Ascension Church
808 S. East Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60304
Cemetery Details
Location
Queen of Heaven Cemetery
1400 S Wolf Rd
Hillside, IL 60162
Memorial Contribution
Your favorite Peace and Justice Organization
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