Warren Eugene Christensen

Born June 29, 1934, in the Westerleigh neighborhood of Staten Island to Thorbjorg Ottilia and Christen Johannes Christensen, Warren was the descendant of a seafaring family that arrived from Norway in 1906. He was a student at Staten Island’s P.S. 30 and Curtis High School. Answering the call of his maritime heritage, he joined the Naval Reserves. While owner of an automotive business on Staten Island, he was called to active duty. He served two years in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa, followed by 12 years of service in the Naval Reserves.

A master mechanic, Warren owned and operated service stations across Staten Island before transitioning to a 26-year career as an educator. As a teacher at McKee Vocational and Technical High School, he transformed the school’s live auto shop into a bridge between the classroom and industry, mentoring the high school seniors in automotive repair.

A man of steadfast faith, he was a pillar of Our Saviour Lutheran Church and Camp Koinonia for decades. Warren was a member of the church choir, upholding a musical lineage that began with his ancestors in the Norsemen’s Glee Club. His commitment to fraternity and service was further evidenced by his 60-year tenure as a member of Staten Island Lodge No. 66 of the Freemasons.

Whether at the 170-acre family farm in Root, NY, or summering in the family’s vintage Airstream on Lake Champlain, Warren’s happiest moments were spent in the company of his family in the great outdoors.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Antoinette (Ann); his three sons, Noel Andrew (Melissa), James Alan (Cynthia), and Keith David (Tammy); six grandchildren, Brianna (John Michael Friscia), Nicolette, Sarah, Emma, Astrid, and Haakon; and his great-granddaughter, Isabella. He was predeceased by his siblings, C. Roger and Beverly L.

Visitation will be held at the Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY on Sunday, November 1, from 2 pm to 6 pm. A service will be held at the Harmon Funeral Home on Monday, November 2, at 10 am with interment to follow at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY.