Reverend David G. Christensen Jr.

1942 - 2025

Reverend David G. Christensen Jr.
Reverend David G. Christensen Jr., age 82, of West Tisbury, MA and Stratford, CT, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2025, at Civita Care at West River in Orange, CT. He has been reunited with his heavenly Father, his parents, David G. Sr. and Myrtle, as well as his grandson, Daniel. He is survived by Carol, his wife of 59 years, sons and daughters-in-law, David G. III and Alicia Christensen of Martha's Vineyard, and Eric and Tricia Christensen of Stratford, his grandchildren, Aidan and Aurora, Dominic, Katarina, and Baylen Christensen. He will be missed greatly by his brother, Jim and sister-in-law, Marcia Christensen of Alton Bay, NH, as well as many friends and family.
David was born in Springfield, MA on October 29, 1942. He spent his youth playing sports and creating stories for his little brother, Jim. He was inspired by his parents' great faith and was called to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Springfield College and his Master's of Divinity from Hartford Seminary.
David was an avid reader and loved history and Native American studies. He was a lifelong sports fan. He coached youth soccer in Southbridge. He enjoyed playing pickleball with his friends at the Miami Everglades campground. He loved all things baseball, from watching his son, Dave, play in high school to sharing time with his grandchildren, watching the Shark's play on Martha's Vineyard. There may have been some disgruntled yelling at the television while watching major league games. In retirement, David loved fishing the Florida Keys in the winters and the waters of Martha's Vineyard in the summers. Fishing was a common denominator he shared with both his sons, Eric and Dave.
For many years, David served as pastor for the United Church of Christ in Shelburne, Sunderland, and Southbridge, MA. He spent the last 15 years of his work as pastor of the First Congregational Church in Berlin, CT. David spent his career counseling and shepherding his parishioners while engaging in humanitarian efforts to improve the lives of the vulnerable. He was very proud of the work he did as pastor in Southbridge by helping to start Food Share, that fed those in the community that struggled with food insecurity. David, with the help of his wife, Carol, partnered with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in humanitarian efforts in Takla, in the Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa, for over 20 years. He was instrumental in advancing international water projects in the Volta Region. He assisted to broker peace between two warring villages by the shared unity in their faith. David and Carol worked together with the help of their communities in the church to provide educational opportunity to the children and young men and women of Ghana. Most importantly, in all activities of his life, domestic and abroad, David was faithful to the call to serve, to celebrate, and to share God's love.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to continue his efforts in helping those in Ghana, West Africa. These donations can be sent to the Amenyo Foundation, 68 Alton Mountain Road, Alton Bay, NH 03810. Please note "Christensen Memorial" in the memo line. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.dennisanddarcy.com .