Andrew Ryan Cross passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 27 while serving others in Morrill, Maine, a community he loved deeply throughout his life. His death has left an enormous loss for his family, friends, fellow firefighters, coworkers, and the many people who knew him for his generosity, work ethic, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Born on September 21, 1998, to Donald and Laurie Cross, Andrew grew up in Morrill on family land that had been passed down through generations. The outdoors shaped much of his life from an early age. Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, working with equipment, and spending time with family were not occasional hobbies for Andrew — they were simply part of who he was.

He graduated from Belfast Area High School, where he participated in soccer, baseball, and the National Honor Society. Friends and classmates remember him as hardworking, dependable, and someone who naturally got along with people from every circle. He later attended Washington County Community College, earning an associate degree in Mechanical Technology along with certifications in Heavy Equipment Operation and Engine Specialization.

Andrew built a life around hard work and service. He worked at Bath Iron Works as an Outside Machinist and was approaching his seventh anniversary with the company. Outside of his full-time career, he also owned A.R. Cross Trucking, where he handled earthwork, mowing, plowing, and trucking jobs throughout the surrounding Maine communities. Whether helping clear snow after a storm or taking on difficult equipment jobs, Andrew became someone people trusted to show up when needed.

He also served the town of Morrill plowing roads during winter storms and volunteered with the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. It was through that service to others that he made the ultimate sacrifice.

The people closest to Andrew often speak less about accomplishments and more about his presence. He had an easy smile, a calm personality, and the kind of humor that immediately made people comfortable. He enjoyed gathering friends and family together at his recently purchased home, where meals often turned into long conversations, laughter, and storytelling late into the evening.

Andrew especially loved time spent at camp in Bingham and Madagascal Pond, riding snowmobile trails across northern Maine, and visiting relatives in Vermont. He could spend hours outdoors tracking deer, chasing rabbits through fresh snow, fishing with a new lure, or working on old trucks and machinery with his father. Family members often joked there was almost no engine the two of them could not eventually get running again.

He is survived by his parents, Donald and Laurie Cross; his sisters, Whitney Cross and Lindsey Cross; and his grandmother Beverly Young. He also leaves behind a large extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who considered him more like a brother than a cousin.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Arthur and Alcyone Cross, and Ray Young.

For many in the community, Andrew’s loss feels deeply personal because he lived the kind of life rooted in showing up for others without needing recognition. Whether helping during emergencies, plowing roads in difficult weather, repairing equipment, or simply making time for family and friends, he carried himself with quiet dependability and genuine kindness.

Though his life ended far too soon, the memories connected to him remain vivid for those who knew him best — the sound of an old dump truck starting up, snowmobiles crossing northern trails, evenings at camp, early mornings in the woods, and the laughter shared around kitchen tables after long days of work.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Morrill Fire Department in Andrew’s memory.

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Riposta Funeral Home. Shuttle service for the public will be provided from Belfast Area High School, while first responder shuttle service will depart from Troy Howard Middle School.

A memorial service celebrating Andrew’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Veracity Chapel.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com
.