Howard Greene Christensen, 88, of East Lyme passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday October 27, 2018.
Howard was born on October 26, 1930, in New London, the son of the late Charles and Edna (Greene) Christensen. He was a graduate of Chapman Tech and played baseball under Jack Conway. He graduated from the University of Vermont and Tufts University. While at the University of Vermont he played baseball under two former big league players, Larry Gardner and Ralph LaPoint. After graduating from UVM, he entered the Air Force and served in Alaska as an intercept controller. He earned his Master’s Degree in Teaching from Tufts, and began his teaching and coaching career at Waterford High School, coaching baseball for 26 years and teaching for 39 years. "Mr. C" ended his coaching career with 335 wins and 87 losses. Several of his teams went undefeated and at one time his teams won 33 straight games. During his teaching career, "Mr. C" as he was known, taught history and served as the department chair. In 1996 he was named Who's Who Among Teachers in America.
In addition to teaching he was active in the Niantic Community Church, serving on many boards, and in his community as a member of the East Lyme Finance Board. In recent years he had been an active member of the Board of the Chapman Foundation which awards college scholarships to students in New London County.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Janice Thomson Christensen, two sons, Mark J. Christensen (Kathryn) and children James, Eva and William. Paul H. Christensen (Lori) and children Katie, Alison and Sarah. Three daughters, Karen C. Day (Douglas) and children Samantha, Alexandra and Kristina. Edie C. Thompson (Tom) and children Molly, Benjamin and Samuel. Janice C. Quartararo (Michael) and children Elena and Christian, his sister Eleanor Waring (Arnold), cousin Arnold Bach and many nieces and nephews. Howard was pre-deceased by his parents, Charles and Edna and siblings Edna, Charles Jr. and Paul.
The family will receive friends and family on Friday November 2, 2018 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St. New London.
Funeral Service is 11:00am Saturday November 3, 2018 at the Niantic Community Church in Niantic. Burial with Military Honors at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Miracle League c/o East Lyme Parks and Recreation 41 Society Rd. Niantic, CT 06357 or Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT 06357
Read More
