Brent Cross of Cross Insurance remembered by Patriots owner as 'brilliant strategic marketer'
Brent Cross, an executive at Bangor-based Cross Insurance Agency who oversaw significant growth and facilitated partnerships with Boston sports teams, died of cancer on Thanksgiving Day.
Cross, who was 58, had worked for his family’s insurance firm since 1979. He supervised the company’s expansion from a single office and five employees to now more than 35 locations and 700 employees throughout New England.
Cross was instrumental in facilitating partnerships with the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, according to his obituary.
Owners and executives with the Boston sports franchises released statements offering their condolences and memorializing his work.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his son, Jonathan, said in a statement, that Cross was one of New England’s “truly exceptional business people and marketers.”
“For over a decade, we have admired his commitment to his clients, his family and his community,” the Krafts said. “He was a brilliant strategic marketer and, along with his distinctive voice, helped drive the growth of the Cross Insurance brand throughout New England.”
The Jacobs family, who own the Boston Bruins, said Cross “became a friendly face and a fixture at many games and events not only at the TD Garden, but in Boston. He was a great colleague, business partner and friend. His presence will be missed by all of us.”
Sam Kennedy, president of the Boston Red Sox, said Cross’ “love of the Red Sox and Fenway Park was legendary — and the love was mutual. We have lost a compassionate, genuine, sweetheart of a man."
Cross was born and raised in Bangor, and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Husson University in Bangor
He was inducted into the Husson Business Hall of Fame in 2005, and served as an adjunct professor and member of the board of trustees at the university.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday at Bangor Baptist Church.
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