Nicholas Christoff

On July 30 Dr. Nicholas Christoff transitioned peacefully. His journey began 97 years earlier here in Fort Wayne. At age 17 he left to attend Purdue University, serve in the Merchant Marines, and in Korea as a Battalion Sergeant Major in the US Army, before graduating from the University of Chicago medical school in 1953. He became a neurologist and teacher at several prestigious hospitals, including Mount Sanai in New York City where he served for 22 years. As a member of the Emeritus Staff of Scott & White Clinic in Temple, Texas, he also helped train future generations of physicians as Professor of Neurology at Texas A&M. Amidst all this, he found time to volunteer with numerous organizations, including Habitat For Humanity and the Peak Vista Health Center in Colorado Springs, where he helped those who could not afford such seasoned care.

And when he eventually moved back to our fair city after his 67 year adventure, he joined the neurology staff of the Fort Wayne VA Medical Center. Finally, acknowledging he wasn’t as young as he used to be, he grudgingly retired from medicine at the spritely age of 88.

Nicholas was preceded in death by his parents, George and Velika; his son, Steven; his first wife, Josephine; his sister, Katherine; and his brother, Tom. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Ellen Beth; his niece, Carrie Freiberger and her husband, Tony; his niece, Amy Christoff; his step-sons, Stephen and Keith Graves and their wives, Stacy and Vanessa; his step-daughter, Jacque James and her partner Doug; his grandchildren, Dr. Richard Hurley, Mrs. Sarah Hamilton, Dylan Graves, and Katie Christoff and their partners; and by his four (soon to be five) great grandchildren.

No words could possibly do Nick’s wit and sharp mind (neither of which he ever lost) justice. He was generous in spirit and steadfast in disposition. Nicholas Christoff was an inspiration to us all. He was our rock, and we will miss him.

As per his request, any donations in his honor should be made to Purdue University or the University of Chicago.