Obituary of John Harley Cross

John Cross, 62, died peacefully in his home after a short fight with lung cancer, on January 10, 2015. He was born in 1952 in Shadyside, Ohio where he grew up with his many brothers and sisters. In 1970, he volunteered to be a member of the United States Coast Guard where he served on the USCGC Eagle (WIX-327). In 1984, he married his beloved wife, Susanne (Chiera) and moved to Green, Ohio where he lived most of his life. After 30 years of service at Pepsi Cola Beverages of Twinsburg he retired as an Express Driver. In his spare time, he enjoyed hiking, biking, spending time with neighbors and friends, and spending time with his son in Boy Scouts. He was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with his son as a Troop Leader and helper. He was very proud of his son for making the rank of Eagle Scout, just as he had done when he was in Scouts as a young man. He was known for finding the joy and humor in life, but the center of his enjoyment truly was his wife, children, and pets. He was able to celebrate his last wish with his family on a trip to Walt Disney World during the Christmas season. He is survived by his wife, Susanne; daughter, Gina; son Dominic; mother-in-law, Angelina; brother-in-law, John (Eileen) Chiera; brother-in-law Dominic (Margaret) Chiera; sister-in-law, Ann Chiera; sister-in-law, Linda Chiera; nieces and nephews, Jonas, Tom, Andrew, Jamie (Alex), Joe (Kristin), Theresa (Jeff), Vince (Lyndsey), Chris, Ryan; and his great nieces and nephews, James, Giana, Kaitlyn, Emily, Arianna, Lucas, and Lucia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary Frances; father-in-law, Dominic; sister, Amy; and brother-in-law James Chiera. The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff at Akron General's Visiting Nurse Service- Hospice Care for the compassionate and loving care they provided. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14 at the Anthony Funeral Home, 4178 Massillon Road in Green. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on January 15, 2015 at Queen of Heaven Church, 1800 Steese Road, Uniontown, with Fr. David Durkee officiating. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions should be made to Hospice of VNS, 400 Wabash Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44307. (Anthony, Green, 330-899-9790, anthonyfh.com)