Welcome to the memorial page for
Donald Christie, Sr.
May 23, 1930 ~ October 3, 2015 (age 85) 85 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from The Baker Family
October 14, 2015 7:21 PM
The Baker Family wishes to express our sincere condolences, in memory of Donald Christie Sr., to his wife, Emily Christie, and their children, Cindy and Bob Lipman, Debbie and David Drechsel, and Don and Kim Christie, and their families. We enjoyed being in his company at family events and Chad, Ryan, and Conor's sports events. Will miss you this winter at Conor's basketball games at Milford Parks and Rec.
A candle was lit by Chris & Missy Ward
on October 12, 2015 8:39 PM
A candle was lit by Gary Christie
on October 12, 2015 9:54 AM
Message from Gary Christie
October 12, 2015 9:53 AM
There will always be a soft spot in my heart for "Uncle Don." I'll always remember him as a bigger than life character to a little boy growing up in Maplewood. The man had an unforgettable laugh and I saw him and Auntie Em as the perfect couple who raised the perfect family. Well, as I grew up I realized that none of us is perfect, certainly not my side of the family, but getting past that, we are all still family and will always be so.
My favorite memories of Uncle Don are in Port Crane, cocktail in hand, suspenders straining over a big old belly, looking down across the lawn to the pond with family and friends all around, wiping tears from his eyes because it was all so beautiful. The man was a classic and will be missed. I just know that Gordon, Alex, Douglas and Don are having a hell of a laugh up there. Bless them all.
My favorite memories of Uncle Don are in Port Crane, cocktail in hand, suspenders straining over a big old belly, looking down across the lawn to the pond with family and friends all around, wiping tears from his eyes because it was all so beautiful. The man was a classic and will be missed. I just know that Gordon, Alex, Douglas and Don are having a hell of a laugh up there. Bless them all.
Message from David Woodburn
October 11, 2015 9:20 PM
Just recently my fiance and I happened to be in Rehoboth so we stopped by for a visit with my Uncle Chris and Aunt Emily. Looking at all the family pictures on the walls in their home brought back so many good memories of the fun times I enjoyed with my cousins from New Jersey. And Uncle Chris was usually at the center of it all!
God Bless you Uncle Chris. David Woodburn
God Bless you Uncle Chris. David Woodburn
Message from Jeryle Ann and Clyde
October 10, 2015 8:36 AM
Emily Ann, Cindy, Debbie, Donnie and the rest of your Family,
We were so sorry to hear that Chris was so ill and then to learn that he had passed on.
I will never forget the many summers we all spent together at Granny and Grandpop's farm and then at our house. Always so much fun and always a big crab feast. I remember how good those bologna sandwiches were on a very hot summer day. Clyde and I enjoyed our visit with Chris and Emily Ann in Delaware and then when we were all together at the beautiful anniversary party. We all have our own very special memories and they will never leave us. Our prayers are with you all, and much love is sent your way.
We were so sorry to hear that Chris was so ill and then to learn that he had passed on.
I will never forget the many summers we all spent together at Granny and Grandpop's farm and then at our house. Always so much fun and always a big crab feast. I remember how good those bologna sandwiches were on a very hot summer day. Clyde and I enjoyed our visit with Chris and Emily Ann in Delaware and then when we were all together at the beautiful anniversary party. We all have our own very special memories and they will never leave us. Our prayers are with you all, and much love is sent your way.
Message from Peggy and Margaret
October 9, 2015 12:04 PM
My mom and I are so sorry to hear about Dons passing away. Like so many people have written we have so so many fond memories, I certainly do, of growing up on Roland Ave , and having one large extended family that watched over us. We were so blessed to have each other. I know your Dad is smiling down while he sitting up there with all the other "guys " from the neighborhood. Thank YOU all for the memories Emily, Cindy, Debbie and Donnie " Don Don" Our Love Peggy and Marge "Margaret"
Message from Charlie & Ellen DelVecchio
October 9, 2015 10:53 AM
The Last of the "Roland Avenue Men" Each in their own way a role model, none perfect but all examples of lives well lived and loved. When I think of Mr C I remember him bringing home a saftey video from NJ Bell to encourage us all to wear Seat Belts, him on hisTractor in NY mowing the fields with a smile on his face. Mr C, Donnie and Dominick working on the old brown Chevy(?) in the driveway between our houses. Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day Picnics in one of the back yards. Just listening to the "guys" talking and sharing stories and experiences. Mr C will be missed by all of us, But like Johnny and Dominick many of the things we learned,, directly or indirectly will carry on in many of us who knew him and grew up with those men as examples of what a Husband, Father, Friend and Neighbor is supposed to be. Again, not perfect, but in his own way an example for those who looked up to and respected him. Rest in Peace Mr C!
Message from Gene Woodburn
October 8, 2015 12:57 PM
I will always remember Uncle Chris. The trips down to Granny's house during the summer. We always looked forward to the Christies! He had his own unique way and I enjoyed the type of person he was. Instead of a yes or no answer, he would usually just say "Does a bear s__t in the woods?!" I'll miss my uncle a lot. Aunt Emily Ann and cousins Cindy, Debbie, and Donnie, we are all thinking about you. Gene
Message from Tricia "Woodburn" DePriest
October 8, 2015 12:14 PM
Aunt Emily Ann, Cindy, Debbie and Donnie: I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Chris's passing. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
A candle was lit by Tricia "Wooburn" DePriest
on October 8, 2015 12:12 PM
Message from Your bride and Cindy
October 8, 2015 9:41 AM
Sometimes there are no words to express the depth of love felt for someone ...
Thanks for visiting us yesterday in the form of a beautiful butterfly on the backyard hummingbird feeder. We know you are safely "home" and that you are watching over us.
Thanks for visiting us yesterday in the form of a beautiful butterfly on the backyard hummingbird feeder. We know you are safely "home" and that you are watching over us.
Message from Ken Gantz
October 7, 2015 11:00 PM
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. C.. Like Kaaren, I have so many fond memories of growing up on Roland Ave. and have always considered myself blessed by the people and experiences of my childhood there in South Orange. To this day, my mental image of Summer is not complete without family picnics, folding chairs and the arrival of lightning bugs as the sun goes down. I have always felt a kind of sympathy for people who I've met who did not have a chance to experience something like what we had in their childhood.
I remember Mr. C. as a builder. I remember admiring the fence he built around the swimming pool with the bamboo inserts and the way he finished the top so you couldn't see the ends of the bamboo. And when he put the addition on the back of the house, I remember when the concrete truck came and I watched how he used forms and floated the concrete. I was just a kid, but I knew that was a big deal and I learned from that what it meant to have to pay attention to detail in order to get things right. That's one of the traits I admired in Mr. C..
I don't believe in permanent goodbyes, for I fully expect "The Roland Ave. Experience" to be revived in some future dimension, in some higher place. Until we meet again, Mr. C., thank you, and Godspeed...
I remember Mr. C. as a builder. I remember admiring the fence he built around the swimming pool with the bamboo inserts and the way he finished the top so you couldn't see the ends of the bamboo. And when he put the addition on the back of the house, I remember when the concrete truck came and I watched how he used forms and floated the concrete. I was just a kid, but I knew that was a big deal and I learned from that what it meant to have to pay attention to detail in order to get things right. That's one of the traits I admired in Mr. C..
I don't believe in permanent goodbyes, for I fully expect "The Roland Ave. Experience" to be revived in some future dimension, in some higher place. Until we meet again, Mr. C., thank you, and Godspeed...
Message from David Lawrence Drechsel, Sr.
October 7, 2015 10:35 PM
Somewhere 40 years ago on a date with his daughter I met the man I first called Mr. C. Not that Christie was to hard to remember or pronounce I guess just because it was simpler. As time passed I spent a lot of my time at 118 Roland Avenue and quickly became part of the family long before I actually was. Mr C was a strict but fair man who only wanted the best for his family. He was conservative and loyal to his country and firm in his beliefs. I would often test his patience and challenge his limits but we never lost the respect we held for one another. When push came to shove I would respectfully do it the Don Christie way. I even maybe more than a few times apologized to him on things we didn't see the same way. However the respect I held for him far outweighed the few tiffs we might have had over the years. I do know that the many things I learned from him I will always be eternally grateful for. Things that have provided me the knowhow to do for my family forever. I will always admire him and miss him. The man I simply came to call Pop was as big a part of my life as any son-in law could ask for. I will always be grateful for Mom and Pop C allowing me into their family and allowing me to share my life with the woman I love more than I can express! Thank you Pop for who you were and just being you, in my thoughts always - David.
A candle was lit by Johnny and Jenny
on October 7, 2015 7:05 PM
A candle was lit by Joe White
on October 7, 2015 10:34 AM
A candle was lit by Christine, Grace, and Faith
on October 6, 2015 8:13 PM
Message from Kaaren Wagner Pitterman
October 6, 2015 12:25 PM
So many memories come to mind as I think back to the Roland Avenue and Port Crane days.....I remember the happy surprise when Dad found out that Uncle Donald would be our neighbor as we were moving onto Roland where Uncle Donald, Aunt Emily, Cindy, Debbie and Donnie already lived. It was a great place to grow up, our neighbors were family and we formed solid friendships which have carried through the years. We celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and carried each other in times of sorrow. We had picnics every summer holiday, and sometimes just because. When my Dad passed, the Christie's were right beside us sharing our loss and holding us up. Port Crane, NY, began a whole new era for the Christie/Wagner families. Us kids watched as our parents built their retirement homes. We all married and started our own families. The summer visits, mowing the endless amounts of growing grass, swimming in the pond, the winters with snow up to your hips, Thanksgiving dinners, football, hockey game -- our parents gave their grandchildren memories that won't be forgotten. When my Mom passed Uncle Donald and Aunt Emily felt our loss as keenly as we did. I would never have been able to get through that year without their love and support. Uncle Donald, you were my last tie to Daddy, and though the past years have been rough on you, I know you remembered him and the times that you shared. I am honored that you were part of my life. As your star rises may Aunt Emily, Cindy, Debbie, Donnie and their families find comfort in knowing what a truly amazing man you were and how very much you were loved by others...........Kaaren
A candle was lit by Kaaren, Bill, Krysti, Katelyn and Douglas
on October 6, 2015 11:14 AM
Message from Eve Spring
October 5, 2015 11:12 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a sweet man. May you find comfort in the many memories that you all shared. God Bless!
A candle was lit by Debbie and David
on October 5, 2015 10:42 PM
A candle was lit by Jenny
on October 5, 2015 10:42 PM
A candle was lit by Cindy
on October 5, 2015 9:57 PM
A candle was lit by Your bride, of 61 years, Emily.
on October 5, 2015 9:54 PM
Message from Donald Christie Jr.
October 5, 2015 8:47 PM
Years ago, I was taking a psychological exam for employment with the State Police. I was given a word association test, during which I was asked to respond to words, such as "Dog-Cat", "Black-White", "Boy-Girl", etc....When asked to respond to "Mom" I replied "Saint". When asked to respond to "Dad" I replied "My Best Friend". Twenty-seven years later, I would answer those questions exactly the same way. Two days ago, I lost my Best Friend. He went home to be with Christ, whom I believe greeted him with open arms. I grieve for my loss, but I know he is no longer in pain and he is in the company of loved ones who passed before him. I envision him being greeted by his brothers Doug, Alex, and Gordon. Right behind them were Grandma and Grandpa Christie (with smoking pipe in hand) and they had smiles from ear to ear. Other family members were there as well, including those from our family's "Maryland Contingent". Granny gave him a swat on his butt with a broom and then hugged and thanked him for being a wonderful husband to her daughter; my mom Emily Ann. Thanks for everything Pop! I will see you and everyone else sometime in the future. In the meantime, I will try to keep thing under control down here.....Love, Donald Jr., Donnie, Don Don, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and every other name you had ever called me.......
Message from Mike and Sandi Randolph
October 5, 2015 8:42 PM
Greg, Cynthia and Family, so sorry to hear of your Grandfather/Father's passing. Praying for peace and comfort for your family at this time!
A candle was lit by Justin Randolph
on October 5, 2015 8:34 PM
A candle was lit by Donald Christie Jr.
on October 5, 2015 7:50 PM
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