Obituary of Philip John Christ

Philip John Christ was born on July 16, 1929 and died peacefully in his Aptos home with his loving wife, Jean by his side on August 31, 2012. Philip was 83 years old. Philip grew up in New Hyde Park, New York and is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jean Christ, his daughter, Julia (Dan Russell) Christ, his stepchildren Melissa (Ian) Browde, Michael (Jan) Knopf, and his grandchildren, Tristan, Carrie, Josh and Hayley. His grandparents were the Honorable Philip J. Christ, Chairman of the Nassau County Board of Supervisors at the turn of the century, and Anna G. Christ. His father was the Honorable Marcus G. Christ, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Second Department, and his mother was Marion Hallsted Christ. He is also survived by three siblings, M. Hallsted Christ, Charlotte Christ and Donald C. Christ, and 14 nieces and nephews. Philip, who was often called PJ, graduated from the Choate School and Hobart University. At Hobart he played Lacrosse as a mid-fielder and was honored to be named to the All-American Hall Of Fame. He also played Lacrosse for several years with the New Jersey Lacrosse Club. During the Korean War Philip served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army and saw extensive combat in Korea as an artillery forward observer. Philip worked for the New York Telephone Company as a district manager, pay phone supervisor and various other managerial positions. Early in his life he found a twenty dollar bill and despite his father's entreaty to deposit the money in the Bank of New Hyde Park, of which his father was President, Philip bought two bamboo fly rods. This decision sparked his family's life-long passion for fly-fishing and led to many happy days traveling to fish. Philip moved to Santa Cruz, California in 1987, where he retired to do all the sporting and recreational activities that were his passion and also to be a Grandfather. He astonished everyone, the very first weekend he was there, by catching one of the largest steelhead trout ever pulled out of his local stream. His talent for fishing provided family and friends with many gourmet salmon, trout, and sea bass dinners. He spent his last twenty-five years playing tennis, serving as the captain of his senior tennis team at Seascape Tennis Club, and was a champion Table Tennis and Bocce Ball player. Philip served as a Commissioner for the Santa Cruz County Fish and Game Commission as well as acting as the Master of Ceremonies for a Senior Entertainment company to entertain at senior homes, hospitals and fundraisers. Philip participated enthusiastically in SIRS (Seniors in Retirement) and was committed to raising money for the Alzheimer's Association. His family and friends will sorely miss his loving disposition and caring ways. Private Services….. A memorial service to celebrate PJ's life will be held in Aptos In Lieu of Flowers please make a donation to the Walnut Avenue Women's Center, 303 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz, California 95060.