Neil Edwin Cross
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Contoocook, NH- Neil E. Cross, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Concord Hospital after a period of declining health.
He is survived by his wife, Alicia (Lish) of Contoocook; his son Neil (Kip) and his wife Jessica of Jamaica Plain, MA; his two daughters, Andrea Cross and her husband Thomas Ings of Windham, ME, and Jennifer Jacob and her husband Lawrence of West Pawlet, VT; two grandsons, William Jacob of Castleton, VT, and Jonathan Jacob of Salt Lake City, UT; and longtime, close family friend Laurie Ready and her husband James of Biddeford, ME. Neil was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Marion Cross, and his son, Michael.
Neil was raised in Norwich, VT and graduated from Hanover High School. In 1953 he, graduated from Middlebury College where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. He later received his master's degree from the University of Vermont. During his lifetime, Neil had a wide-ranging career. Immediately after college he went to work as an industrial engineer for Deering-Milliken in NYC. During 1954-55 he served in the United States Army Signal Corps in Germany. Upon his return to civilian life, he worked in marketing and research for Carborundum Company in New Jersey.
In 1958 Neil began his career in education. He was a teacher in South Royalton, VT. Soon thereafter he became a principal in Williamstown, VT. By 1964 he was the Superintendent of Schools for the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union in Manchester, VT. In 1972, Neil moved to New Hampshire to become the Superintendent of Schools for SAU 24 (Hillsboro, Henniker, and Hopkinton). Six years later, Neil served as the Superintendent of Schools for SAD #74 in Damariscotta, ME. Neil concluded his career in the educational field as a consultant for the NH Department of Education from which he retired in 1995.
During his lifetime, Neil had a multitude of interests, none more important than watching his children's activities. In his more active days, Neil was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener, skier, and golfer. There was rarely a day that went by that Neil did not read two newspapers, complete the crossword puzzles, and play the bridge hand. He had a love of nature and college football, a quick wit, a wry sense of humor, and a genuine smile.
The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Concord VNA for the compassionate and exceptional care provided to Neil and family.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no funeral services at this time. A celebration of Neil's life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the
Hopkinton Public Schools Foundation (https://www.hpsfnh.org/donate)
Or if you prefer, send a check made out to:
Hopkinton Public Schools Foundation
c/o William Chapin, Jr.
204 Maple Street
Contoocook, NH 03229
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bennett Funeral Home of Concord, NH.