“No Soldier Left Behind”
Richard T. Cross
A.K.A. “Tricky”
At 17:15 (5:15 pm) on October 1, 2025 while a resident of Easton Skilled Nursing Facility, in Easton, PA, Dick was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was two days shy of being 80 years old when he was called home to be with the Lord. He is finally at peace with God and reunited at Fiddler’s Green with those whom he served with and who preceded him.
Dick was born on October 3rd, 1945, in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, to Paul and Marjory Liggett Cross. His childhood was characterized by change and turbulence. Much of his young life was guided by his mom, whose priority was to put food on the table; because of this, Dick was accepted at the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PA. He remained in this boarding school through high school, and upon graduation, he attended College. While in College, Dick showed that he had a highly developed moral compass, a very sharp mind, and excellent communication skills that were all controlled by his very disciplined work ethic and a knack for leadership. But above all, Dick could be mischievous and was most comfortable just having fun. So, before he completed College, he was drafted into the US Army and was trained as an Infantryman, and upon completion of his initial training, he was assigned to Armor Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of armor.
From there, he immediately went to flight school and was certified as a pilot of a UH-1 Huey Helicopter. Dick found his calling! All he wanted to do for the rest of his working life was fly a Huey. Like so many others of the time, Dick ended up in Vietnam. During his first tour of duty, Dick flew medevac. He was the guy who came in, no matter how much gunfire there was, because he had to get the wounded to a hospital. During his second tour in Viet Nam, he did the second most dangerous job a pilot could have – piloting a reconnaissance helicopter in the Army’s Air Cavalry. He was a “Scout Pilot.” During this tour of duty while flying a “Little Bird”,OH-6, on an operational mission, Dick, was in the face of intense enemy fire, earning by his actions the nation’s third-highest award for valor in combat. Dick was awarded the Silver Star. Along with the Silver Star, he was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star.
During his career in the Army, he married Ann Reddy in Fort Rucker, Alabama, on August 1st, 1970, and they had three children, Chad, Sasha, and Sean. They were assigned to numerous duty stations in the continental USA, Alaska, and a tour of duty in Europe. After Dick retired from the Army in 1991, he went back to school to finish his Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, which he earned in 1993 and his Masters degree of Science from the Central Texas College in 1996. In 1999 Dick relocated back to Pennsylvania and worked at an art gallery to help Ann with framing her artwork. In 2002 Dick bought the art gallery, not in hopes of making a profit, but in hopes of bringing his children back together to work in the family business. He had a heart for family; the “No Soldier Left Behind” wasn’t just a mentality for Dick, it was his heart. Dick loved photography, camping, gardening, art, going fishing, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and the Phillies, whenever they played. He also loved going to see the Iron Pigs with his oldest son and daughter at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA. Dick was an inspiration to his wife Ann with her artwork and helped her frame her pictures for art shows in Texas. He had many different interests, but teaching became a passion of his.
Dick is preceded in death by his father, Paul, and his mother, Marjory. He is survived by his wife, Ann, his sister Midge McClary, his brother Glenn Cross, and his three children, Chad and his wife Robin, Sasha and her fiancé Mike, and Sean Cross. Dick also has three grandchildren: Bobby White, Tristan Zawick, and Seth Cross. As well as three great grandchildren Jordyn, Jocelyn, and Justus. A Celebration of Life Service is planned for 1 PM, Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA with a calling period from 12:30 to 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com. Thank you and God Bless.
Sasha Cross
October 4, 2025 at 6:48 pm
Daddy I miss you sooo much! You’re in a better place now and pain free. I love you Daddy!💔❤️
Ann Cross
October 4, 2025 at 7:33 pm
My sweet sweet love, I’ll love you so much…I know you will always be with me
All my Love
Ann
Martin Bacon
October 4, 2025 at 7:52 pm
My most heartfelt sympathies thoughts and prayers to all of you all for your loss. May the Lord guide you thru your difficult days n months ahead. I’m so very sorry for your loss
Robin Cross
October 4, 2025 at 9:01 pm
Pop, you will truly be missed. We hate to say goodbye so soon, but we know you are face to face with Jesus! Love you and prayers for the ones you left behind, we will meet again soon.
Brenda Reddy
October 4, 2025 at 9:10 pm
ANN, Chad, Sasha, Sean and families: This was a great capsule of Dick’s accomplished life and love of family. Most I knew. I didnt realize he got his degree and a masters. One thing I loved about Dick was he did life his way! He was always so kind, loving, fun and had a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. There are a lot of wonderful memories of him and your whole family! Hugs and lots of love.
Carlos Xavier
October 4, 2025 at 11:09 pm
Papa Cross, we will miss you sir. It was an absolute joy to always connect with you and Mama Cross on our weekly Zoom Meetings. You have an amazing family that will continue to do you proud. Love you sir. RIP. 💙🙏
Susan kressley
October 4, 2025 at 11:39 pm
Deepest condolences to you and the family. It was a privilege to know Dick.
Unfortunately I am out of the states on vacation and will not be able to attend.
Prayers and hugs to all.
Judy & David Costa
October 5, 2025 at 8:56 am
Dear Ann and family,
David and I are so sorry for your family’s loss! We send our love and heartfelt condolences to all! Dick certainly lead an amazing life, and was always fun to be around! What a beautifully written tribute to him, and his love of life and family. May he rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathy,
Judy & David
Thomas R Genetti
October 7, 2025 at 10:07 am
Dick was my roommate during both our second tours in Viet Nam. I flew Cobra’s and Dick flew Scouts (OH-6). We flew together often and he was as brave as they came. He was an excellent Scout and a great asset to B Troop, 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry. Although we stayed in contact via email for years, we finally met for lunch several years ago. Dick was a great soldier, man and friend. I will never forget him!!!! Rest in peace, Dick!!
Phil DePamphilis
October 7, 2025 at 8:40 pm
Ann, I’m extremely sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Sounds like you two had a very fulfilling life together and many cherished memories. May God bless you and keep you safe in your time of grief. Take care.
Janet Riter
October 11, 2025 at 6:01 pm
Dearest Ann and family, I am so proud to have married into the family, through Tom, my husband. I have such warm memories of the time we spent together and the phone conversations..you know that I am only a phone call away if needed. Baby steps day by day for healing. Will always love Dick.
Buddy Harp
October 12, 2025 at 2:59 pm
Trick, Gonna miss you on terra firma, but trust me, I’ll catch up with you in due time. I have to second Tom Genetti’s above words. You were one helluva Scout Pilot and I covered many and flew with a few more. Hope you enjoyed your rendezvous in the Fiddler’s and swapping stories tried, true, and false, or otherwise with George. So, rest in peace my friend.
Hawk
Patti Reddy-Parkinson
October 12, 2025 at 3:26 pm
Aunt Ann, Chad, Sasha, and Sean, I am so sorry to hear this news. I always thought of Uncle Dick as a positive person with a fun personality, and a pretty cool guy. He will be missed by so many – the good guys always are. I’m thinking of you all and sending hugs and love your way.
Tracie Conway
October 14, 2025 at 6:48 am
Ann, Chad,Sasha, and Sean. So very sorry to hear this news. Dick was such a nice man. When I think about my resale business the memories go hand in hand with him and your family.
Thinking of you all. That was a beautiful obituary written for him. Tracie Conway
Bob Pillion
October 14, 2025 at 9:59 am
From one old Scout to another, I salute you with a glass of my finest 21 year old Red Breast Irish whiskey. May you have arrived in Heaven days before the devil knows you died.
Mary Behling
October 18, 2025 at 10:53 am
Dearest AnnC and family,
We are so very to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. Sending our love……