Sterling “Nathan” Cross, 74, died of natural causes at his home in Capitola, CA on June 1, 2023. He was born in Ohio to Virginia and Sterling Cross.

Nathan, a loving and devoted father, and grandfather is survived by his daughters, Carly, and Layne; brother Christopher, son-in law Jason and grandchildren Elda, Tayten, and Dyllan.

Nathan moved to the Los Angeles area as a young child and attended Westchester High School. Nathan, then known by peers as “Corky” fell in love with the ocean and was an avid waterman. Upon graduating, Nathan went to Santa Monica City College and then San Jose State University where he met his wife Lauren, received his teaching credential and later his Master’s in Education from San Jose State and a second Masters from Michigan State.

Nathan taught overseas for the Department of Defense, stationed in Okinawa and Germany allowing him to travel all over Europe, where his first daughter, Carly was born.

Returning to the States, Nathan got an administrative credential and became a principal at Upper Lake High School. Shortly after his daughter Layne was born, Nathan moved his family back to the oceanside town of Aptos where he worked at the Live Oak School District as a principal and assistant superintendent.

Upon retiring, Nathan went back to work as a Program Director at UCSC’s New Teacher Center. He joined his brother Christopher at an educational consulting firm Cross & Joftus, where he was a senior associate. For the past 11 years Nathan worked passionately building a professional development business, Educational Solutions LLC, where he coached school administrators and helped educational organizations meet their education goals.

Nathan was passionate and proud of the work he did in education, scaling back only when his grandchildren were born so he could spend time at the park, feeding the ducks and travelling with them. He was proud of being active in his community serving on the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission, where he proudly played an integral role in commissioning a bronze, climbable, kid-friendly, sea lion sculpture in Esplanade Park in Capitola Village.

Nathan was the unofficial mayor of his neighborhood. As a former industrial arts teacher, he was very handy and an excellent builder. He was always lending a hand to neighbors and taking on woodworking and building projects just for fun.

Although Nathan loved working and being busy his favorite activity was to read a book and do what he called “just closing his eyes for a minute” in the warm afternoon sun. He will fondly be remembered playing with his grandchildren on the beaches of Hawaii, BBQing in his back yard with friends and walking around the neighborhood visiting with the neighbors he adored.

A Celebration of life will be held in late Summer in Capitola.

Nathan was a lifelong educator, working in education for over 57 years. Before his passing he was working to establish a fundraiser to help the Pajaro schools so horribly damaged by the floods this past winter. To honor his wishes, our family humbly requests that in Lieu of flowers donations can be sent directly to Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

https://www.pvusd.net/

Please write a note and reference Nathan Cross or contact PVUSD for questions 831-786-2304