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.

Christie, Ronald 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.