Albert "Albie" Alan Cross passed away June 10, 2020, in Fairmont, West Virginia. Born March 26, 1948, to Arthur and the late Dolly Crescenzi Cross, Albie was a playful and mischievous child, who tried his parents' patience continually.  He would never outgrow his fun-loving, mischievous side.  Albie ran the grounds of his State Street and Chamberlain Avenue neighborhoods, eventually developing into a top athlete at his alma mater, Fairmont Senior High School, and excelling in most of the sports offered at that time.

He continued his education in his hometown at Fairmont State College, joining Tau Beta Iota Fraternity, and graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in history. It was at FSC, as fate would have it, that he met his future wife Marcia Rae.  After spiking a volleyball that hit Marcia in the face and knocked a contact from her eye during a match his freshman year, Albie helped her find the missing lens.  Once she could see again, it was apparently love at first sight for both, and the two eventually married and started a family.  Whether this family won or lost, succeeded or failed, Albie's pride in his children and subsequent grandchildren never wavered.  In addition to his wife of fifty years, Albie was blessed with a son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Shelby Cross, and daughter and son-in-law, Monica Cross and Michael Kuhn.  He adored his four grandchildren: Tyler Cross, Emily Cross, Declan Falkenstein, and Lydia Falkenstein. Moreover, Albie was fortunate to have two sisters: Linda Sloan and her husband Ray of Fairmont and Ginny Hart and her husband Roger of Hurricane, WV.  Albie had many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as numerous friendships from FSHS, FSC, Loveridge mine, and beyond that endured for decades.  He loved each and every one of them.

Albie was fiercely protective of those around him, whether he knew them or not.  Not one for the sidelines, he was often the first to respond when help was needed.  He knew few strangers, less enemies, and was far too intent on having fun to ponder why he should not like someone in the first place.  Albie had a contagious smile, an infectious laugh, and enjoyed celebrating life. If medals were awarded to those who have the most fun, he would have won a gold one.  Although he enjoyed traveling to the mountains and Outer Banks, as long as there was lively conversation, good people, and cold beer, he was content wherever he was.   Albie had a broad acceptance range and did not take kindly to those who encroached on others' beliefs.  Even though vascular dementia eroded much of his cognitive capacities in his last years of life, the disease could not quite impact Albie's helpful, fun-loving, protective spirit.

An electrician and mechanic at Loveridge mine, Albie avidly studied history and politics and typically stayed abreast of world events. Not inclined to shy away from conflict, he thrived on political debate, even the heated ones.  He enjoyed watching football and had been known to throw more than a few things when the Pittsburgh Steelers did not make the plays he thought they should.  He did not golf often or well, but that didn't stop him from taking to the greens to enjoy a few rounds a year with his dad Arthur.  Albie fished many waterways during his lifetime, although none ever topped the Blue Hole in his beloved Ten Mile, West Virginia.  Albie could not carry much of a beat, yet he connected with God through music.  His faith was a very personal one.

The family would like to extend its gratitude and appreciation for the wonderfully caring staff at Genesis Pierpont Center.  Albie loved them as family, and so do we.

Domico Funeral Home in Fairmont is in charge of arrangements and a celebration of life will be held on July 18, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Heston Farm Pavilion. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to ALS Research at www.alsa.org .  After three decades of mining coal deep underground, Albie had no desire to return to the dirt.  Instead, he requested his remains return to Ten Mile, where they can be graced by the music made of its blue waters, soothed by its gentle breezes, and forever hugged by its West Virginia hills. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.