William P. Christian

William P. Christian AmsterdamWilliam P. Christian, 99, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, May 9, 2013, at his home, with his family by his side. Born in Amsterdam, NY, on October 1, 1913, he was the son of the late Justin and Anna Vitulis Christian. He received his education in Amsterdam and was also a graduate of Union College and St John's University School of Law and practiced in Amsterdam from 1941 to 2003. William was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II serving from 1941 to 1945. He was the recipient of a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge and five battle stars. William was a trustee of the former St. Casimir's Roman Catholic Church, an officer of the Montgomery County Bar Association; chairman of the Amsterdam Civil Service Commission; government appeal agent for Local Board No. 38; and past commander of the Henry F. Schotte Military Order of the Purple Heart from 1950 to 1951. His wife, Eleanore A. Heffernan to whom he was married on November 18, 1944, predeceased Bill on March 29, 2003. He was also predeceased by two sons, William J. Christian, Dr. James H. Christian; his daughter-in-law, Dr. Maureen Mahar Christian; his son-in-law, Pieter Kien; three brothers, Joseph, Stanley and Charles Christian; and one sister, Bridget Morris. He leaves his children, Dr. Kevin D. Christian (Susan) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Mary Christian of Amsterdam, NY, and Arlene M. Kien of Indian Lake, NY; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. There are no calling hours. Interment will be at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. Memorial gifts in Bill's name may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA, P.O. Box 484 Amsterdam, NY 12010. Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. To send online condolences to the family, go to www.rileymortuary.com.