Gene Allen Cross

Gene was born October 9, 1946 in Gary, Indiana to Gerald and Louise Cross. Together with his older brother Gerry, the family moved to California for his father's job at U.S. Steel. Eventually settling in Clayton and adding 3 additional siblings (Dale, Sue and his baby sister Kathy). Gene graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 1964. A Vietnam veteran, Gene served his country in the U.S Navy from 1964-1970. He met his wife Tracy, the love of his life, in 1974 at the Western Way in Concord and they married in 1975. They had 3 children, Dena, Brian and Rachael. Gene spent many years of his career as a pipefitter for Local 342. He later became employed at USS Posco (where his father had worked) and retired in 2009. Everyone Gene came across was struck by his larger than life presence. Always the life of the party, he had a fabulous sense of humor. He was a hardworking man, but lived life on his own terms. He has always said that his years in the Navy were the best time of his life. Gene passed away at home on April 4th, 2017 at 11:29 pm holding the hands of his wife and daughter Dena. We will miss him dearly. Survived by his wife of 41 years, Tracy, daughter Dena (Ruehle) and son in law Ray, son Brian, daughter Rachael and son in law Miles, and the pride and joy of his life, his 2 granddaughters, Bella and Brielle. Gene is also survived by his siblings, Dale and Jeri, Sue, Kathy and Al, Paula, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and an enormous amount of lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his father, mother and brother Gerry. Per his wishes, there will be no services. Hug your family, do some fishing, have a beer in his honor....most of all laugh and love one another. You are free to fly high now Dad!