Ronald “Ron” Christie, age 63, resident of 1926 Glendale Avenue, Erie, PA, died Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Saint Vincent Health Center, Erie after months of failing health. Born in Meadville, PA on January 3, 1952, Ron was a son of Gertrude Meissner Christie and the late Richard Earl Christie Sr.
After graduating from Cambridge Springs High School in 1969 where he learned drafting, Ron enlisted in the US Navy making the military service his career of 20 years. During these years, he mostly was stationed aboard air craft carriers, the first four years as a jet engine mechanic and the latter years as an electronics specialist attaining the rate of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class. He was awarded a number of ribbons for being engaged in several conflicts occurring in the South East Pacific, Viet Nam War, the Gulf Sidra-Libya Conflict, and Granada. Following a serious injury which Ron received aboard during a faulty airplane landing, Ron was honorably discharged.
Ron then started a construction company in California which he operated for several years before moving to Erie where he again worked as an independent contractor until retiring in 2009. Ron acquired great skills during his life’s work which included drafting, woodworking, electronics, and a general knowledge in how to get things done.
Surviving Ron in addition to his mother, Gertrude, who lives in Erie, is a son – Jason Christie who lives in Tennessee; three sisters – Sandra Cahill of Southgate, MI; Karen Hormell and her husband, Jack of St. George Island, MD; Teresa Augustyniak and her husband, Tim of Erie; and four brothers – Larry Christie and his wife, Chelley of Kenosha, WI; Daniel Christie and his wife, Rhonda of Marion Station, PA; Rick Christie of Carlisle, PA; and Tim Christie and his wife, Donna of South Salem, NY. Ron was preceded in death by a sister – Lucy Wallace.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Thursday, July 24th from 2-4 and 7-9. Vigil prayer services will begin at 8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua in Cambridge Springs with Reverend David Paulson, pastor of the Church officiating. Interment will held at Cambridge Upper Cemetery will US Navy military honors being rendered assisted by the Erie Crawford County Burial Detail.
Our deepest sympathy to the Christie family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sympathies to the Christie family. We will always remember Ron on the weekends at Grandma and Grandpa Meissner’s. He is in a better place now and free from suffering.
Mary Jane & Steve, Mick & Heather, Cathy and John
To The Christie Family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers at this time.
I was saddened to hear of Ron`s passing. It was good to see him at our class reunion a few years ago. I have fond memories of our time at CSHS together. Know he is at peace now.
To all the Christie family and extended relatives, I offer my deepest and sincerest sympathy. We were friends in high school and after many years re-united our friendship. We shared many laughs and long conversations on the back deck of my house. Ron got to know my sons and their families and was often included in our holiday gatherings. Ron seemed to enjoy getting out of Erie and enjoying the country life in Saegertown. I think in his mind, he was a country boy and enjoyed the out of doors. As Ron’s health declined, we had most of our communication by phone. His suffering is now over and we have to accept the fact that he is in a better place now.
Patty Beanland Porter
It sounds like Ron had a wonderful successful life. My thoughts and prayers with his family. Sorry I can not be in attendance.
My sincerest condolences on your loss.
My sincere sympathies to Ron’s family and friends. I have fond memories of Ron and his siblings growing up a couple blocks away from me. I hope all the good memories will put a smile on your faces and warmth in your hearts!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time and that you find peace with knowing Ron is in a beautiful place.
Diane Zuschlag Potter
My sincere sympathy to the Christie family. I have so many fond memories of Ron from high school, especially building sets for the prom. Everyone in the CHS class of ’69 will be remembering Ron at our 45th reunion in August.
Barbara Puchacz Zabady
Many fond memories of Ron growing up in Cambridge Springs. Sincere sympathy to the Christie family and all who shared his life. Brenda Kretser and Craig Martin
Our sincere condolences to the entire Christie family.