Obituary: Phillip Lawrence Cross

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Obituary: Phillip Lawrence Cross

Friday, 08 March 2013 00:00

Phillip Lawrence Cross died peacefully under Hospice care in Richmond, Virginia on Monday, Feb. 18, at the age of 75. He was the proud grandfather of seven, father of four, husband of 49 years, and retired lieutenant of the Port Washington Police Department. Phil was a caring soul who loved his family, enjoyed sharing his knowledge of history and trivia with others, and had a great sense of humor. He loved to make his family laugh.

Born in Westbury, New York, in 1937 to Catherine and Francis Cross, Phil graduated from Westbury High School and later Nassau Community College. Married in 1964 to Jaqueline Wells, Phil and Jackie raised their family in Westbury.

Working his way to lieutenant in the police force, Phil retired in 1993 and soon moved to Cape Coral, Florida, with his wife Jackie. After Phil suffered a stroke in 1999, the Crosses moved to Virginia. Phil had spent the last nine years in an assisted living facility, winning trivia contests, making friends, reading voraciously, and receiving visits from his grandkids.

Phil was predeceased by his sons, Greg and Bryan. Phil is survived by his wife, Jackie Cross of Richmond, Virginia; his brother Frank Cross of Florida; his daughter Sandy Dibler, now teaching in Shanghai with her husband Jeff; his son Peter and daughter-in-law Stephanie Cross of Richmond, Virginia and their children Charlotte, Philip, Sophia, Ewan, and Theo; and Bryan’s widow, Stacey, and children Bradley and Bryan of Setauket, New York.

The family will hold a private service in Richmond and they look forward to gathering this summer in New York with family and friends to celebrate Phil’s life.

News

Five J’s Jewelers Closing

Saturday, 18 May 2013 00:00

Joan Hutchinson’s Five J’s Jewelers will be closing its doors after 34 years in town. Currently at 155 Main Street (located in Mini Mall Shops), Five J’s has been located in different spots around Port such as the Soundview shopping center and four different Main Street locations. Five J’s has lost its lease, but will be here through the end of August. The store will be liquidating inventory of jewelry. Hutchinson’s newest venture will include a web-based business from her home, where she will continue to provide her customers with quality merchandise at wholesale prices. For more information, please email jsjewelers@aol.com or call 516-567-4142.

The Great Gatsby Director At Soundview

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

Baz Luhrmann, the internationally acclaimed writer, producer and director of the new 3-D adaptation of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, captivated the invitation-only audience at the Long Island premier of the film last Wednesday night at Soundview Cinemas.

“It’s touching for me to be here in Port Washington,” said Luhrmann, a native Australian. “I grew up in a small town where my father had a cinema for a short time. It’s like inviting people into your lounge room to sit in the dark and experience something together.” Luhrmann took notice of all the care that went into refurbishing the Soundview Theater, telling the guests that there really is so much buzz out there about the reopening.

Sports

“PYA Never Stops…It’s For The Kids”

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

The fact that Port Washington Youth Activities (PYA) is celebrating its 50th year of working with area boys and girls is quite an accomplishment. Ron Henderson, its executive director for the past 20 years, also has a long history with PYA’s Lions Field that extends all the way back to 1958.

“I played in the first games ever held at the field back then when it was the Port Washington Little League,” said Henderson. “That was before the field was renovated.” The renovation, which began in 1999 and forced the PYA to relocate for two years from its Glen Lane site, now features four Little League fields and one major league field, all on pesticide-free, natural grass. During the fall, the fields are converted for lacrosse and football programs.