Norman P. Cross January 18, 2024

Norman Phillip Cross, age 89, of Myerstown, PA (formerly of Owego, NY) passed away
peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 18th, 2024 after a short illness, joining his
beloved wife of 64 years Janet (Zagorski) Cross in heaven. The couple’s legacy of love and
family will continue for years to come.
Norman is survived by his four children, Norma (Nick) MacDonald of Albany, NY, Andrew
(Laurie) Cross of Myerstown, PA, Phillip (Vanessa) Cross of Surf City, NC, and Judy Lamp of
Leesburg, VA. His memory will live on eternally through his eight grandchildren who
affectionately referred to him as “Jiddoo”: Andrea (Dominic) Defino of Houston, TX, Daniel
(Danielle) Cross of Hampstead, NC, Alexandra (Tim) Cross of Philadelphia, PA, Jenna
(Michael) Noblit of Monterey, CA, Phillip (Emilie) Cross of Central Square, NY, Julia Cross of
Wilmington, NC, Sophia Lamp of Tempe, AZ, Nicholas Lamp of Blacksburg, VA. and three
great-grandsons Jameson, Oliver, and Camden.
He is also survived by his sister Rose Marie Kresge of Philadelphia, PA and many nieces and
nephews.
Norman was a man of strong faith, serving for many years as the President of SS. Peter and
Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott, NY where he was honored with the Order of Saint Innocent,
the highest honor for a non-clergy member in the Orthodox church.
Norman graduated from GAR High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He would go on to proudly
serve his country in the U.S. Navy before dedicating over 50 years of his life to IBM/Lockheed
Martin in Owego, NY where he left an incredible mark on the lives and careers of countless
colleagues.
Known for his sense of humor, Norman had a love for silly jokes, camels, a good breakfast spot,
and lately a fondness for sappy Hallmark movies. His love of the NY Giants and NY Yankees
brought him great joy (and plenty of frustration) over the years. His legacy is one of love,
commitment, and a lasting impact on both his family and the community he served.
Norman’s nephew, Bishop Thomas Joseph, put it best moments after Norman had passed
when he said, “I would love to be able to go to my judgement with the life that Uncle Norman
lived”.
Norman/Norm/Jiddoo will be remembered fondly and dearly missed by all who had the privilege
of knowing him. May his memory be eternal!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider a charitable contribution to SS.
Peter and Paul Orthodox Church – 210 Hill Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.
Family and friends may call Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5 to 7p.m. at Mamary-Durkin Funeral
Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, PA. Funeral services will be held at 10am
on Saturday, January 27 in St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, 905 South Main St, Wilkes-
Barre, PA. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church on Saturday. Interment will follow in
the Parish Cemetery.