Ronald W. Christie

Ronald William Christie, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024 at the age of 80. 

Ron is survived by his wife Mary, his children, Kenneth and Julie, daughter-in-law Alissa, son-in-law Jack Padden and five grandchildren - Jackson Padden, Kaitlyn Christie, Sydney Padden, Kamryn Christie and Orion Padden, all of Newburyport, MA. He also leaves behind his brother and best friend Craig Christie, his wife Barbara of Sandy Springs, GA and several nieces and nephews.

 Born in Hoboken, NJ on June 18, 1943, Ron was the son of Howard and Cecelia Christie. He spent his formative years in Hoboken and later moved with his family to Weehawken, NJ where, at the age of 18, he met his soulmate Mary Heimbuch. They bonded immediately and six years later they were married on February 10, 1968. Ron often referred to Mary as the love of his life and that sentiment never waivered throughout their 56 years of marriage. 

Ron received his Bachelor's Degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, enlisted in the United States Army and spent the last six months of his service in Germany. After his discharge, Ron and Mary explored Europe which ignited his passion for travel. This passion served him well during his long and distinguished career in the automotive industry where he excelled in international sales and marketing, traveling regularly to Europe and Asia. He ultimately retired as VP of Sales at Racemark International in Ballston Spa, NY where he also held the position of CEO for a period of time. 

Besides his professional endeavors, Ron was an avid sports fan. He was a lifelong season ticket holder to the New York Giants and an avid fan of the New York Yankees attending games regularly. A significant portion of his leisure time was spent reading, especially spy novels & historical nonfiction books. Though he couldn't carry a tune well, he very much enjoyed listening to Classical and 1940's Big Band music. As a young boy, Ron vacationed in the Poconos at Buehler's Idlewild Inn in Paupack, PA. He continued to visit there as an adult and enjoyed family reunions every summer with relatives coming from several different states. At Buehler's, his love of fishing started. Through the years he experienced fly fishing and deep sea fishing in the Florida Keys in addition to lake fishing. 

Ron's true joy came from his role as a family man. He and Mary created a warm and loving home in Budd Lake, NJ as well as at their summer home in Lake Ariel, PA. Truly, this was Ron's "Happy Place" that provided a quiet retreat from his busy work and travel schedule. It was here that the solace and beauty of lakes blossomed into a lifelong affinity. After his children went off to college, he and Mary moved to Lake Sunnyside in Queensbury, NY and later to East Hampstead, NH to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Ron was a dedicated coach, leading his children's softball and baseball teams and, in later years, a supportive presence on the sidelines of countless sports games, where Papa always cheered proudly for his grandchildren. 

Ron will be remembered for his charismatic personality, his unwavering dedication to his family and his great sense of humor. He made everyone feel welcomed and valued, traits that endeared him to all who knew him - personally and professionally. His commitment to giving back extended to his regular blood donations to the American Red Cross. 

Ron leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and unforgettable memories. He will be deeply missed by his family and everybody he touched along the way. May he rest in peace, knowing that he was loved beyond measure. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 11:30am to 1:00pm, with a service beginning at 1:00pm at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 172 King St. Boscawen, NH followed by interment at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway (Rte. 3) Boscawen, NH. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron's memory to the American Kidney Fund or to a charity of your own choosing.