ASHTABULA — Robert Michael Cress, age 87, formerly of W. 6th St., passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2012, in the Hospice Unit of Ashtabula County Medical Center.
He was born August 8, 1925, in Girardville, Pa., the son of Phillip and Kathleen (McDonald) Cress, and was an Ashtabula County resident most of his life. A Veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served during World War II as a Seaman 1st Class in the South Pacific before being honorably discharged.
Prior to his retirement in 1975, he worked as a crane operator for the Illuminating Company for 31 years.
Mr. Cress was a member of the VFW Post #943, the American Legion Post #103, and Our Lady of Peace Parish (Mother of Sorrows Church), Ashtabula, and St. Mary’s Church while he lived in Conneaut from 1984 to 1992. He was also a lifelong Cleveland Indians and Browns fan.
His survivors include his wife, Madlyn (Maille) Cress, whom he married Oct. 15, 1980 at St. Joseph Church; one daughter, Mary Sue “Mimi” Barbato of Ashtabula; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie (McQueen) in 1973; one son, Timothy Cress; two sisters, Louise Sarbiewski and Catherine Reed; one brother, Phillip Cress; and his parents.
A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date with full military honors. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ashtabula.
Contributions may be made to Our Lady of Peace Parish, 3312 Lake Ave., Ashtabula Ohio 44004.
DUCRO FUNERAL SERVICES AND CREMATORY, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula is in charge of arrangements.
The family would like to thank the staff at Country Club Retirement Center for the kind and compassionate care they have given over the years.
Obituary at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
