Benjamin Francis Cross

Benjamin Francis Cross, age 33, affectionally known as "Otter" to his many friends, passed away unexpectedly on April 11, 2021.

He grew up with his brother, Devin, in New Hampshire with many hobbies: small-scale construction, cartoonist comic writing, skateboarding, guitar, snowboarding and an avid Magic The Gathering player and trader. He enjoyed being the best he could be at anything he did. Whether it be writing and singing his own songs, getting high score on a video game, an MTG Tournament or just building something out of nothing, Ben would pay meticulous attention to detail and dedicate the time it took to learn and create.

Ben graduated Winnisquam Regional High School and was awarded "Most Creative" superlative by his 2006 class. A free spirit like his brother, he took the "the road less traveled" through the country and Canada by open roads, by car, bus and train.

An avid Boston Bruins and New England Patriots fan, he brought his enthusiasm to all of the 48 contiguous states and Canada, enjoying friendly rivalries with other fan bases. He also managed to get to several Patriots home games with his Dad during their first six Super Bowl Championships.

He embraced adventure, loved to read, play music, make art and make people laugh. His friends always spoke highly of his kindness and generosity as Ben would always reach out to someone in need. He embodied the spirit of "paying it forward" encouraging those he helped to help others in the same way. His writing, drawing, music and kindness live on through those who knew him in life and those that will know him through his work.

Ben is the beloved son of Pamela Henchey of Sanbornton, N.H., and Stephen Cross of Mar-a-Lago, Fla. He is predeceased by his brother, Devin Alexander Cross. He also leaves behind his step-parents, John Henchey and Linda Cross. He leaves behind a beloved niece, Dahlia Cross of Berrien Springs, Mich., whom he always enjoyed being "Uncle Ben" to and joked he was going to marry a girl named Jemima to round out the breakfast aisle.

Ben also leaves behind grandparents George and Sandra Starkey of Ft. Pierce, Fla., and Frank and Mary Lou Cross of Tewksbury, Mass. He leaves many step-siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who will never forget him as his humor, kindness and great spirit lit up a room.

A celebration of life will take place at a place and time to be determined. Please remember Ben whenever you are kind to people and other living things. He lives on in all of us and those whose lives he touched will never forget him.