Patrick J. Cross

Patrick Joseph Cross, a lifelong Colchester resident, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, April 14, 2025. Days prior, he enjoyed his 71st birthday celebration surrounded by family and friends.
Born on April 11, 1954, to Helen (Graystone) and Reginald Cross Sr., Pat was the youngest of nine. After receiving his Refrigeration Technology Certification from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1973, he began his lifelong career as a Refrigeration Technician. He earned a reputation as an honest, hard-working businessman. He ran Cross Refrigeration, a thriving enterprise, on North Winooski Avenue in Burlington for most of his life. He eventually moved his business back to the Cross-family home, where his garage became part office and part workspace.
He was a tinkerer with many interests, always working on something. You could find him welding in the shop, processing wood out in the sawmill, or driving the tractor around the yard. Wherever you found him, his brother Larry was likely to be close by. The two of them were best friends and "partners in crime", coming up with solutions to all sorts of challenges. Pat's ingenuity was a source of inspiration to many. His shop served as a social hub. People were always stopping by to get his advice or just visit.
The place that Patrick held in the lives and hearts of others cannot be overstated. To relatives, his passing marks the end of an era. Throughout the decades, family and friends have always congregated at the Cross home on Porters Point Road. Patrick quietly and unassumingly kept the gathering tradition and the Cross-family legacy alive. Many have assembled in the yard, around the shop, or outdoor fireplace, telling stories, making connections, and catching up. Pat (Boss) had a great sense of humor and was quite the practical joker. He was a lantern on a foggy night. Everyone turned to him when they needed comfort, a laugh, or a little help finding their way home. He always had a room for someone in need. Pat was a well-liked and humble soul. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a neighbor, a friend, and for two very special girls (Ashley Barbeau and Thérèse Bergeron), he stood in as a father.
Patrick is survived by his remaining siblings, Helen Coombs and Bill Cross; as well as his sisters-in-law, Gayle Cross and Donna Cross. He leaves behind many nephews, nieces, and dear friends. Patrick was predeceased by his sisters, Jane Riley and Mary Bean; and brothers, Mick, Tom, Reg, and Larry. He also leaves behind his friend and right-hand man, Brian Ploof; as well as his buddies, Lorri Shepherd and Laura Bergeron.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in his memory at Holy Cross Church, 416 Church Road in Colchester, on Friday April 25th at 11 a.m. The burial will follow at New Mount Calvary Cemetery on Plattsburg Avenue in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services.