Jerry L. Cross

He was born in Akron, Ohio on August 19, 1941 and just celebrated his 82nd birthday with family and friends. Upon graduation from high school, he worked for the City of Ravenna and later earning his water treatment licenses became the Water Treatment Supervisor for the City of Kent and later Kent’s Utility Production Manager.

Retirement came early in his life and he then became an auctioneer and realtor, an occupation that he enjoyed immensely for 33 years throughout Portage and Summit counties. His was a very outgoing personality and he especially delighted in doing charity auctions for various churches, schools and non-profits.

Jerry spent many hours caring for his horses or ponies, (Haflingers were his favorites), driving them in parades and giving the grandkids rides. Additionally he looked forward to his visits with his many Amish friends in Middlefield.

Jerry was a long-time member of the Ravenna United Methodist Church and served the church as an usher for many years and gave his time in many different capacities.

Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Mary Jo (Dunlavy) Cross, as well as children: Kimberly (Herb) Nicolo, Jamie Cross, Tammy (Dan) Smith and Wendy Ley. Also surviving are grandchildren TJ, Greg, Tarah, Benjamin, Andrew, Caleb, Michaela, Darby, Josiah, Kylee, Saxten, Alaina and Claire, along with seven great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Ralph Cross, Donald Cross and Ruth Green.

Friends will be received on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Ravenna First United Methodist Church, 263 S. Prospect St., Ravenna, Oh. from 2pm until the funeral service, officiated by Pastor Kathy Dickriede, beginning at 4pm.

Donations to the National Parkinson’s Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Jerry’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of the caregivers that so kindly assisted Jerry and ourselves.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com