Obituary of John Christin

John Joseph "Jack" Christin, Sr., age 88, died peacefully on October 6, 2012 of natural causes in his home in Palm City, Florida. Beloved husband of Ethel Christin, to whom he was married for the last 21 years of his life. Pre-deceased by his loving wife Alyce Link Christin in 1989 whom he married in 1952. Loving father to Link Christin, Cindy Christin, Cathy Palombi, Tracy Parrill and Jack Christin, Jr. and step-father to Jane Power, Dede Roan and Susan Schmeiser. When he and Ethel combined their families in 1991 they would eventually attain 11 total grand children now ranging in age from 23 months to 28 years.

Jack was born in Detroit, Michigan to Ernest and Edith (Dede) Christin and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He was predeceased by loving siblings Bud Christin, Edward Christin, Margaret Rieser, and Milton Christin. His brothers Paul Christin and Robert Christin survive him. He was loved and cherished by a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, children-in-law and siblings-in-law and had great and dedicated friends at every stop in his life. He served in the Navy during World War II and obtained a degree in accounting from Ohio State University. He started a stellar 31-year career in 1958 with North American Aviation, later Rockwell International. He retired from Rockwell in 1989 after holding several senior positions, including General Auditor and Vice President, Investor and Community Relations.

Charity and community engagement were a huge part of Jack's life. He oversaw community relations for Rockwell International in Pittsburgh and led several beneficial programs and community support initiatives during his career there. Since moving to Palm City, Florida in 1999, he served as president of the board of the Martin County Library Foundation and was also very much involved in the Lyric Theatre in Stuart, Florida and with Tykes and Teens, an organization focused on providing assistance to at-risk youth in Martin County, FL.

You often hear people described as someone who "lit up a room." Jack did just that and brought joy and love to everyone in his life. His affability, sense of humor and laughter filled many, many rooms over the years and those who were lucky enough to know him were much the better for it. He was successful in business but was never defined by that success---family, friends and being the best possible husband and father were always Jack's top priorities. He was both very generous and very humble. He loved a great meal at a restaurant but was just as happy with a big bowl of ice cream in front of the TV. And to him a great glass of red wine was "not too shabby." He lived a long and wonderful life and he will be sorely missed by the many people who knew and love him.

Friends are welcome to visit at Forest Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Palm City, FL on Thursday, October 11 from 2 PM-4 PM and 6 PM-8PM. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 1454 Southeast Mapp Road, Palm City, FL on Friday, October 12th at 10 AM, with a luncheon to follow for all attendees. There will be a celebration service in Pittsburgh, PA at a future date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to the Library Foundation of Martin County, the Lyric Theatre in Stuart, FL, or The Tykes and Teens, 3577 SW Corporate Parkway, Palm City, FL 34990.