Cross, John

September 24, 1932 - October 27, 2025

On October 27th, 2025, Dr. John F. Cross passed peacefully at his residence at the age of 93. He is survived by his beloved Dr. Jane P. Cross, his wife of 65 years; his children, Eugene (Charlotte), Andrew (Linda), Kathleen (John), and Martin (Dawn); 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Louise; his brother, George; and his daughter, Rosemary.

John was born in New York City. He lived part of his boyhood in St John's Newfoundland, birthplace of his father, Jack S. Cross, descendant of a lineage of sea captains and seafarers. He graduated from the Jesuit institutions of Saint Peter's College, Fordham University, and Saint Louis University. He was engaged in an active life of scientific, philosophical and religious inquiry. He was a devout Catholic and his values reflected the teachings of the Gospels.

John had a natural love of the sea, sailing, adventure and exploration. He joined the Navy and undertook pilot training on aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean and then conducted aerial reconnaissance during the Korean War. He became a NASA Fellow and worked actively on the USAF human spaceflight program including the Manned Orbiting Laboratory.

He was appointed Dean of Social Sciences at the College of the Virgin Islands in 1970. During his tenure he purchased the renowned sailboat, The Dove, allowing sailing trips through the Caribbean. After returning to his position at Saint Louis University, he and his family sailed for many years on the Alton Lake stretch of the Mississippi.

As a professor and senior administrator at Saint Louis University, he directed doctoral dissertations, published articles, conducted research, served on academic committees, and delivered many papers at academic conferences. He was a strong advocate of peace studies and supported the award of peace fellowships through his work with the Lenz Foundation. He was a recipient of the Severin Award for his outstanding contributions and retired as Emeritus Professor of Psychology.

He will be remembered as a highly intelligent, caring man, and as a devoted father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Lupton Millard Chapel, 7233 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63130

Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11:00 AM, on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at St. Roch Catholic Church, 6052 Waterman Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63112.

Interment will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Lupton Millard Chapel

7233 Delmar Blvd.

314-721-1870

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Nov. 2, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John Cross

5 Entries

Matthew And Miki Shea

November 6, 2025

Dear Cross Family,
Our deepest and most sincere condolences at the news that your father, husband, grandfather, educator and seafarer, John Cross, had passed away.
We will remember him as a kind and intelligent man who was always quick with a smile but more thoughtful in deeper considerations.
We hope the strength and love that your family has always offered to each other can help in somehow providing comfort during a time of great loss.
Sympathies and Blessings from us both.
Matt and Miki Shea

The Lodes Family

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Carolyn Casey Grimes

November 3, 2025

I have counted John and his widow, Jane, among my most precious friends since the day I met them in 1971. Although I have lost touch with them in the last 25 years, they have been dearly missed and remembered.

John was one of the kindest, most humble, and fun-loving people I have ever known. His generous spirit, ready laughter and love of friends and family will long be remembered.

I extend my deepest sympathy
to Jane, Gino, Andy, Kathleen and Marty and their families.

Carolyn Casey Grimes
Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia

Christine Diekman

November 3, 2025

I met John as a friend of Mimi, the neighbor across the street , who I went to Xavier High School. We both decided to attend The College of the Virgin Islands, as freshmen in 1971. In the year I lived and went to school on St. Thomas Is, I was fortunate to get to know John and sail with him and fellow student friends ....so much fun and laughter in his company....The Dove was our adventure boat into the beautiful Caribbean waters...Thank you John...You are loved and will be missed...thank you for beautiful memories.....Christine Finklang

Marianne Rohan

November 2, 2025

Dr. Cross was a very nice and caring neighbor!!!My family and I lived next-door to them growing up in Saint Roch´s Parish on Kingsbury!! My siblings and I used to babysit for their kids!!!Doctors Mr. and Mrs. Cross were wonderful people!!! my sympathy and prayers go out to their family!!!

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