John F. Christie

Born and raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn, he graduated from Manual Training High School in his native borough.

Mr. Christie settled in Westerleigh 50 years ago.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War era. A radio transmitter, he was stationed in the Aleutian Islands and attained the rank of sergeant.

After his military service, he attended St. John's University on the G.I. Bill.

Mr. Christie worked as an analyst in the transportation department of the MTA's Metro-North Railroad for 40 years, until retiring in 1993.

He was an associate member of the Marine Corps League, Sunnyside.

Mr. Christie enjoyed traveling with his wife, the former Dorothy Jennings, especially to Ireland, Bermuda and Florida, as well as visits to Atlantic City. He enjoyed studying Civil War history, and had traveled to many historic battle sites, including Gettysburg and Antietam, with his family.

He was always willing to help others, his family said.

"My family will miss him deeply," said his son, Kevin.

Mr. Christie was a parishioner of St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Castleton Corners.

Dorothy, his wife of 51 years, died in 2010.

In addition to his son, Kevin, surviving Mr. Christie are his son, John R., and his daughters, Kathleen Toth and Patricia Christie.

The funeral will be Friday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 10:45 a.m. in St. Teresa's Church. Arrangements include cremation.