John Kristoff Obituary
STERLING/VERO BEACH, FL - John C. Kristoff, 82, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach. Born and raised in Sterling, John was the son of the late Christian and Katherine (Arkel) Kristoff and lived most of his life here before moving to Florida in 2016. His loving wife of 42 years, Phyllis J. (Robichaud) Kristoff died in 2011.
John was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School, class of 1956 where he was voted "Class Tarzan." He then attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst where he received a degree in Animal Husbandry. After graduating college, John went on to work at his family's farm in Sterling where he applied his passion and knowledge of agriculture. While working on the farm, he also sold Knapp Shoes and Christmas trees for many years. In the 1980's, John took over the reins of his family's Sterling Peat business which he successfully ran until his retirement in 2016.
John was considered quiet, hardworking, and generous with his time and resources. In his younger years he was instrumental in St. Richard's Parish annual Apple Fiesta and the Sterling Horse Show. He enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards, pitch tournaments, and was also a member of the former Sterling Bowling League. He enjoyed time with his family and never met a good meal he did not enjoy eating. In his later years he enjoyed visiting a casino and his retirement.
He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his son, John T. Kristoff and his wife Laura of Chicago; two daughters, Julie Donohue of Pepperell and Allyson Picard and her husband Charles of Sterling; two sisters, Catherine Beyer and her husband, Donald and Teresa Parker all of Sterling; three grandchildren, Lauren Donohue, Anna Kristoff and Taylor Picard; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, John is predeceased by four siblings, Mary, Joseph, Agnes and Christian Jr., and a son in law, Michael Donohue.
Out of an abundance of love and concern for the safety of relatives and friends, a funeral Mass will be celebrated privately at St. Richard of Chichester Church in Sterling. John will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Phyllis at Hillside Cemetery in Sterling. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sterling Firefighters Association, 5 Main St, Sterling, MA 01564, or the Sterling Historical Society, 7 Pine St., Sterling, MA 01564. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, Sterling. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit
www.milesfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Ray Podesta
February 9, 2021
RIP my friend
Patricia Barrie
February 7, 2021
Dear family, So sorry to read of John's passing & offering my deepest sympathy. He was a big teddy bear of a guy always with a smile on his face. I worked for Walt Sanders so our paths crossed many times while in town. Sad the years go on & you loose touch with those you used to know. He loved & was proud of you all that I knew. Rest in Peace my friend.
Roy and Joan Dahlstrom
February 7, 2021
To the entire Kristoff family. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolence on the passing of John. We feel honored to have known him. Now he has been reunited with his beloved Phyliss in Heaven. Rest in peace John.
Gordon Warren, Hyannis ( Rutland )
February 7, 2021
Dear Teresa and the Kristoff Family -
I extend my sincere condolences to you with the passing of John. My dad was the Vo-Ag teacher at Wachusett and I can remember my younger days frequently visiting the Kristoff farm and taking rides in their old model "T" cars. I remember John and the rest of his family as hard workers who took pride in their business. Rest in peace John.
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Paul Kirby,
February 6, 2021
Dear Julie and Lauren, Allyson, Charlie and Taylor, John, Laura and Anna, and family - Please accept my condolences on the loss of John. I always enjoyed his company and the loving care he had for his family and friends. May John rest in peace. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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