Donald B. Christie, Jr.

Donald B. Christie, Jr., 70, of Springfield, IL, passed away at 12:27 a.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Memorial Medical Center after a short battle with brain cancer. He was known to his Springfield friends as "Boston Don," thanks to his thick Boston accent and passion for Boston sports; as "Bampa" to his 12 grandchildren with whom he shared a mutual love and admiration; as "Mr. Christie" to the many high school students he taught and coached during his nearly 40 years in the same Massachusetts school; and, affectionately, as "Chub" to his mother and three siblings, his 8 siblings-in-law and many nieces and nephews, as well as the love of his life, Nancy, his wife of over 48 years. Donald had an infectious passion for rock and roll music that flowed from his eclectic collection of hundreds of albums and left a lasting impact on his friends and family. He was a devoted father and grandfather, sending his Massachusetts grandkids cards each month after he moved to Springfield. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Bernard Christie, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Christie of Springfield, IL; three children, Cathleen Sether of Hopedale, MA, Michael Christie (Angela) of Springfield, and Tara Costanza (Michael) of Hopedale, MA; twelve grandchildren, Casey, Kyle, and Christie Sether; Mary Katherine, John, Matthew, Thomas, and Grace Christie; Matthew, Callie, Dominic, and Michael Costanza; mother, Barbara Christie of Westborough, MA; two brothers, Peter Christie of Needham, MA and Robert Christie of Springfield, OH; and sister, Patricia Hickey of Leominster, MA; as well as many nieces and nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Donalds hometown in Massachusetts.