The Research Foundation and Buffalo State communities are saddened by the death of Kenneth A. Cross, director emeritus of the Buffalo State College Research Foundation, who died unexpectedly on August 16, 2009, in Erie, Pennsylvania, while visiting family.

Dr. Cross joined the Buffalo State community as an assistant professor of exceptional education in 1969. His duties included serving as research coordinator and grant writer. He was promoted to associate professor in 1971, with the responsibility to serve as project coordinator for the college’s research program. In 1974, he became the director of Research, Development, and Administration, which became the Research Foundation. He retired in 1997.

Dr. Cross was born in Silver Creek. Blind from infancy, he graduated from the School for the Blind in Batavia before earning a B.A. in history from the University at Buffalo, an M.S. in education from Canisius College, and a Ph.D. in education from the University at Buffalo.

Throughout his career, Dr. Cross served in many consulting roles for national and regional conferences and organizations, including the United States Department of Education and a Senate subcommittee on legislation for the handicapped. He published many articles on learning resources, data management, and computer applications in education.

Dr. Cross is survived by his wife, Judith R. (née McDermott), and six children. Family will be present to receive friends and relatives on Thursday, August 20, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at First Trinity Lutheran Church, 1570 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Tonawanda. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 21, at 3:00 p.m. at the same location.