Richard “Dick” Kross, 85, of East Haven passed away peacefully on July 22 at Masonicare of Wallingford after suffering a stroke in April. Richard was born on March 1, 1935, in Waterbury to Klemenses and Marijona (Skabeikis) Krizinauskas. A proud son of Lithuanian immigrants and the youngest of six, Richard was an All-State basketball player at Watertown High School and the first in his family to attend college.

At the American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, Richard quickly became known for his basketball talent. In 1958, he scored 41 rebounds and 45 points against Springfield College, a single-game record for rebounds that remains among the top ten in college history. Richard’s record as AIC’s all-time leading scorer from 1958 to 1985 stood for 27 years. In 2005, Richard was inducted into AIC’s Hall of Fame.

After college, Richard moved to East Haven where he became the director of parks and recreation for nearly three decades. His warmth and easy-going personality made him a favorite around town. His friends and family enjoyed his encyclopedic sports knowledge, his passion for Civil War and WWII history, as well as his devotion to the Red Sox (even during the lean years) and UConn women’s basketball.

Richard leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Ann (Magnuson) Kross, his son Ken Kross (Denise Kross) of Upland, California, and daughter Kathryn Kross (Tom LeBrun) of Washington, DC. In addition, Richard leaves two grandchildren, Taylor Kross and Jeff Kross of Upland, California.

Family and friends were invited to attend a Memorial Mass on July 29 at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the church of Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 355 Foxon Rd., (Rte. 80), East Haven. A burial followed at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Ave., North Haven.