Thomas Anthony Christy

Thomas Anthony Christy Jr. passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 90 on February 1st. He was born to Carmela Mezzancello and Thomas A. Christy Sr. in 1920. Tom grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island, where he was active in athletics and excelled in football. In 1942, Tom heard the call “Uncle Sam Wants You” and he enlisted in the U.S. Army Aircorps at the age of 22.

Tom spent 4 years in the Army. During that time, he met and married Betty Brown and was stationed in Lemoore, CA. In 1946, Tom began his professional career as a mechanic servicing oil rigs with Standard Oil. After being promoted to foreman, Tom was transferred to Oxnard, CA, in 1957, where he was responsible for oil production platforms both on and off shore. Tom and Betty quickly fell in love with Ventura County, settling down in Ventura, raising their 3 sons, Gregory, David and Daniel, and becoming deeply involved in the Ventura community. After 37 years as a dedicated employee, Tom retired from Standard Oil/Chevron in 1983. His wife Betty passed away in 1999 and Tom remarried Theodora Gray in 2003. For the next 8 years, Tom and Teddy shared a love of traveling, family and companionship.

Always involved in philanthropic endeavors, Tom had 50+ years in the Masons, becoming a Master Mason, and he helped (literally) build the sanctuary at his Church (College United Methodist). His leadership roles were varied and many, including past president of Chevron Retirees. He was a member of the Petroleum Pioneers, American Petroleum Institute, Dirty 30’s, R and A, The Y’s Men’s Club and RM Pyles Boys Club. Tom was an avid golfer, having a 27 year membership at Las Posas Country Club, where he was a member of the “Flubbers” golf group and was most recently President of the Tri County Seniors Golf Club.

Tom is survived by his wife Theodora, 3 sons - Greg, David and Dan Christy; sister Angela Woodbury, sister and brother-in-law Nora and John McCarthy, sister Pauline Christy; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children – Los Angeles (3160 Geneva St. Los Angeles, CA 90020 - Attn: Development Department) or to charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 12 at College United Methodist Church, 4300 Telegraph Rd, Ventura.