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Irv Cross
Irv Cross was a football player and sportscaster who became the first Black sports analyst on national television and co-hosted “The NFL Today.”
We invite you to share condolences for Irv Cross in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
We invite you to share condolences for Irv Cross in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
Published by Rapid City Journal on Mar. 1, 2021.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
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GUEST BOOK
41 Entries
We will miss Ivy's presence and his beautiful smile. He had many contributions to his community, especially for a football player and sportscaster who became the first Black sports analyst on national television and co-hosted “The NFL Today.” May the love and the special memory you shared with him show just how much your life was touched by him. Words could hardly express the sorrow felt for the loss of Mr. Ivy Cross. The pain of losing someone is something we never get use to. But at Isaiah 65:17, 22-24 our Heavenly Father holds out a grand promise. May your faith in His promise strengthen you as you look forward to its fulfillment.
Tony
April 10, 2021
Your a marvelous inspiration and truly sincere individual, you are so missed in this life and I too look forward to seeing you in the next, your loving cousin.
Ms. Florence Ann Jackson
Family
March 24, 2021
You were a trailblazer for our family, our neighborhood, state and national community. May your memory be a blessing to your family and friends
Glenn Earl
Friend
March 23, 2021
A classy gentleman who believed nothing is impossible to achieve and went about taking risks, having positive expectations and achieving success. A man who carried himself very well and was absolutely comfortable in his own skin...Much RESPECT....Prayers & Blessings to the family
Valenda Newell
March 22, 2021
Alishia
March 22, 2021
ENJOY , YOUR ST. PATRICK'S DAY TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY FRIEND #48 #32 #99 #61 #20 #3 & #32 MATTHEW 26:01-26:75 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MARK 1:01-1:45 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROMANS 3:01-3:50 ????????????????? & TIMOTHY 5:01-5:80 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BIG BOSS MAN JOHN JASWELL
March 14, 2021
Irv was my favorite sports person for 60 years....since he was drafted by the Eagles. He was always a gentleman on the few occasions that I met him. He even called me from Minnesota about 10 year ago and signed a jersey that I had sent to him.
I lost someone who meant so much to me. God Bless you my friend. #27 forever
I lost someone who meant so much to me. God Bless you my friend. #27 forever
Ed Crossin
Acquaintance
March 12, 2021
On behalf of the Macalester M Club and its Board of Directors we are all terribly saddened to hear of Irv’s passing. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends. May his athletic talents, his pioneering as the first black sports analyst on a major TV station, and his contributions to Macalester athletics be remembered as his legacy lives on.
Steve Cox
Acquaintance
March 10, 2021
You broke down barriers and set new standards. You were loved by many and your family loved you the most. RIP Uncle Irv. Say hi to Grandpa Acie, my Mother Audrey,Uncle George,Uncle Bobby,Uncle Jimmy,Aunt Zef and Aunt Peggy. Sending support and prayers to The Family.
Crystal Taliefero
Family
March 5, 2021
Irv Cross was a Great Football player, a Great man, and a Great NFL announcer. God Bless him and his family.
Mike Albashian
March 5, 2021
Will Hargrove
March 5, 2021
My condolences go out to the family of Irv Cross. He was a pioneer in the sports world for sports casting. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Roy
Acquaintance
March 5, 2021
ÍIrv was the best ever football analyst
Richard Pinto
March 4, 2021
Irv was a great athlete and sportscaster. But I knew of him from his brother Ray, who I met workin at Inland Steel. Ray would work summers in the mill. He became a friend and helped me thru some hard times. Sorry for your loss Ray. God bless you and yours!
Terry Doolin Rn
Friend
March 4, 2021
Rest peacefully
Kyle moland
Family
March 4, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Rest Easy Uncle Irvin
Jodi Motley daughter to
(Joan Motley-Sister 3- oldest sibling)
Rest Easy Uncle Irvin
Jodi Motley daughter to
(Joan Motley-Sister 3- oldest sibling)
Joan and Jodi Motley
Family
March 4, 2021
I grew up blowing kisses at #27my Uncle Irvin watching all his games then broadcasting. Our family is large and loving . All my aunts and Uncles the ones we lost and those that we still have are so special. Uncle Irv you and your siblings have made a amazing impact on family and the world. To cousins Susan, Lisa, Matthew and Sara I have not had the pleasure of being around you all, extending love and condolences. Blowing one last kiss Uncle.
Pamela (Zephia 's 3rd oldest)
Pamela (Zephia 's 3rd oldest)
Pamela Hepburn
Family
March 4, 2021
My heart goes out to the family praying for strength for all of you guys
Rosa Addison Addison
March 4, 2021
Rest in Him Uncle Irv Cross .. You earned your rest ... Colts
Robert Reynolds
March 4, 2021
Kent & Carol Sivadge
March 4, 2021
We are sending our sympathy to the family of Irv Cross.I have known the family all my life . They have been a tremendous example for everyone.
Clyde & Peggy Rector
Classmate
March 3, 2021
Irv Cross the pride of Hammond Indiana a man of decency and integrity who happened to be a great football player and outstanding sportscaster. If you had the good fortune to make his acquaintance you would recall his genuine warmth, good sense of humor and a smile that lit up the room.
Rest in peace Irv!
Rest in peace Irv!
Gregory Nichols
Classmate
March 2, 2021
I had the honor of playing football at The Hammond High with Mr Cross's brother Ray Cross and remember quite well how Irv Cross was thought of in 1962 by the players and the entire coaching staff. He was an icon of HHS athletics and the city of Hammond, epically East Hammond. He obviously be missed by many people!!!
Hank Orkis
Acquaintance
March 2, 2021
We loved to listen to Irv, the first black sportscaster, on the NFL today. Our sincerest condolences to the Cross family for your loss. May the God of tender mercies comfort and strengthen you as you mourn.
Mary
Neighbor
March 2, 2021
My condolences to the family of Mr. Irv Cross the first Black sportscaster.
March 2, 2021
Irv was a great sportscaster. I never thought of him as anything other then an overall great fella. Sorry to hear the news. Full condolences to the family.
Al Veoli
March 2, 2021
Irv Cross was more than a NFL player !
He was by far one of the LA Rams who was an icon in his field.
He also was one of those "BLCK ATHLETES" who was without any doubts "A GIFTED ATHLETE WITH MORE THAN JUST TALENT" A class act ballplayer. He knew how to a professional when he played for the Los Angeles Rams &
The Philadelphia Eagles. I had the utmost respect for him both on & off the field. His commentary on the NFL today with Brent, Jack, Phyllis were always top rated, I could not say anything about the Greek because he was always by himself in another class. The NFL has truly lost one of the best in commentating.
RIP Mr. Cross you are now with The Deacon (Deacon Jones) Dick Bass & a many more icons in Pro Football.
He was by far one of the LA Rams who was an icon in his field.
He also was one of those "BLCK ATHLETES" who was without any doubts "A GIFTED ATHLETE WITH MORE THAN JUST TALENT" A class act ballplayer. He knew how to a professional when he played for the Los Angeles Rams &
The Philadelphia Eagles. I had the utmost respect for him both on & off the field. His commentary on the NFL today with Brent, Jack, Phyllis were always top rated, I could not say anything about the Greek because he was always by himself in another class. The NFL has truly lost one of the best in commentating.
RIP Mr. Cross you are now with The Deacon (Deacon Jones) Dick Bass & a many more icons in Pro Football.
Tony Lordi
Friend
March 2, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dennis Harwell
Friend
March 2, 2021
Irv was a very nice reporter for the NFL Today.
I really can't watch these programs today because they do not approach the style and grace that was on that pre game. Ground breaker for sure,but I liked him for just being him. RIP Irv you are missed. P.S. Almost forgot a great football player also!!
I really can't watch these programs today because they do not approach the style and grace that was on that pre game. Ground breaker for sure,but I liked him for just being him. RIP Irv you are missed. P.S. Almost forgot a great football player also!!
DAVID SODERBERG
March 2, 2021
Irv was one of my class mates at HHS. He was
very intelligent and a fine gentleman. He was very well respected by staff and students Barry Strong
very intelligent and a fine gentleman. He was very well respected by staff and students Barry Strong
March 2, 2021
I enjoyed watching you, Jayne Kennedy and Pat Summerall on CBS. A lot of good memories. You were great at your job. Also, my Mother thought you were handsome. Rest in Paradise
Raymie Kenner
Acquaintance
March 1, 2021
I always enjoyed watching Irv Cross on The NFL Today. That pregame show was a big part of my childhood, and the show truly set the standard for the other pre-game shows to follow. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Mandy Turner
March 1, 2021
In Memoriam: Irv Cross, an outstanding person, a talented American football athlete and sportscaster! To The Cross Family: Our prayers are with you in your time of great loss of sorrow.
Dr. Charles L. Singleton
Acquaintance
March 1, 2021
Grew up watching, and loving, Irv's work for CBS. His highly qualified, intelligent, and articulate analysis was consistently excellent. His first-hand Pro Bowl calibre football experience/knowledge translated well, during his media career. And his good looks and wonderfully pleasant manner added to his appeal.
Thanks for being a special part of a special era in NFL and television history, Irv. Your classy contributions and presence provided memorable accounts, and set benchmarks on the field and in the studio.
Thanks for being a special part of a special era in NFL and television history, Irv. Your classy contributions and presence provided memorable accounts, and set benchmarks on the field and in the studio.
March 1, 2021
Your legacy will go on.
Stephanie Schell
March 1, 2021
Mr. Cross has left his Mark, what a legacy to leave behind. My sincere sympathies to the Cross family, so very sorry for your loss. May God grant peace, strength abs comfort to you all as you go through this most difficult time.
March 1, 2021
Paved the way for African Americans in sports broadcasting.
Stephanie D Schell
March 1, 2021
I remember seeing Irv on TV in the 1970’s. He had such great chemistry with Brent Musberger. He always came across as so likable. Rest easy, kind sir, and thanks for the memories.
Tony Robison
March 1, 2021
To the Cross family, I extend my sympathy for your loss. Mr. Cross was a very good sportscaster that I watched nearly every Sunday on The NFL Today show. May God help your family through this difficult time.
Dan Morgan
Acquaintance
March 1, 2021
A very good announcer and, a pleasant dispositional person. Enjoyed his announcement and interviewing of other players. rest peaceful, for your support and contribution has been well received. amen-amen.
Sylvia Blake Agers
Acquaintance
March 1, 2021
To the Cross family... Sorry for your loss....Irv made football more enjoyable for viewers.... God Rest His Soul....Wallym
wallace marribitt
Acquaintance
March 1, 2021