CASTLE HILL FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC.
1528 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx New York 10462
(718) 828-9222
JOHN CHRIST
MAY 30, 1927 - MAY 6, 2020
As someone who grew up in the Bronx, I certainly learned my share of four-letter words, but none are more powerful than n-i-c-e.
----Linda Kaplan-Thaler, Author and Advertising CEO
John Christ, a longtime resident and native of the Bronx and friend to all he met, passed away at the age of 92 on May 6, 2020 at the New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus, New Jersey. The date had additional significance as the 75th anniversary of VE Day, observing the end of World War II.
John had a deep humanity and empathy for others. He never judged or criticized others and found the good in everyone. A generous and sensitive soul, he will be deeply missed by the legions of people who were lucky enough to know him.
John was predeceased by his wife Aphrodite in 2002. He is survived by his loving sister Thalia and husband Bernard Criscenzo, and many nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends Carmen Centron and Richie Robinson.
John was born in the Bronx, New York on May 30, 1927 to Basil and Angelique Thelonides Christ. He attended New York schools and joined the U.S Army in 1945 at the end of World War II in Europe. As an Army medic stationed in Germany, he learned enough of the German language to assist in the care and relocation of many refugees, concentration camp survivors, and other in the war torn Europe. Decades later he traveled to cities he had seen at the war's end.
John married Aphrodite Dimataris in 1962 and they lived their entire lives in the Bronx, first in his parents building near Fordham University and later in the Wakefield neighborhood on 240th Street. During that time he was a successful entrepreneur as a career florist who then became a supplier to many of the region's floral shops.
Upon his retirement John found great joy in his daily walk and visit to the R.A.I.N. Nereid Neighborhood Senior Center on Nereid Avenue where he had many friends and enjoyed his time playing pool and socializing. He also enjoyed his annual summer trips to California where he visited Thalia and Bernie and his niece Joanne Hall and her family.
His final year was spent at the New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus where he was well loved and cared for by his many friends among the staff and patrons. During this time he also forged a close friendship with Bernie's daughter and son-in-law Paula and Tony DeMaria, both of whom were instrumental in the oversight of his care and comfort.
Funeral and graveside burial services will be held privately on June 1, 2020.
