Christopher John Diffell

Christopher John Diffell passed away quietly after a lengthy illness on June 14, 2023, on what would have been his mother’s 99th birthday. Christopher was born in Washington, D.C. on July 2, 1960, the seventh child of Dorothy Murphy Diffell and Clifford Diffell. He attended St. Philip’s and Morningside Elementary Schools and Benjamin D. Foulois Junior High before graduating from Central High School in 1977. Christopher went on to attend Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany and received his diploma from the University of the District of Columbia. While in school, he had a number of jobs, including one with the Red Cross. He later worked for the District of Columbia as an interpreter and parole officer and then for the Federal Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency.

Christopher had a big heart and was kind and compassionate to everyone he met. He loved plants and gardening, had a great knowledge of plants, and was always ready to exchange a plant with anyone. He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading many books and newspapers. Christopher had an affinity for languages, was fluent in Spanish, and encouraged the learning of a second language.

Christopher will be missed by his friends and family. He leaves behind his three brothers, Mark, Jerome (wife, Catherine), and James (wife, Cheryl) plus three sisters, Katherine (husband, Paul), Patricia (husband, Timothy), and Mary Ellen. In addition, Chris is mourned by six nieces and nephews, and eight grand nieces and nephews. The family also wants to thank Christopher’s dear friend, Juergen Tooren, for the love and support he gave to Christopher for many years.

A viewing will be held at Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, June 21st from 10:00-11:00 a.m., with Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Rock Creek Cemetery in D.C. Arrangements provided by Joseph Gawler’s Sons Funeral Home.

Please consider donating to the charity of your choice in Christopher’s memory.