Christopher Critchley

FORESTVILLE

Christopher "Kit" Critchley, Jr. 84, of Forestville passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 1, 2026. He was born on August 2, 1941 in Hartford, CT, the son of the late Christopher and Nicolina Critchley. Kit enlisted with the US Marine Corps in 1963 and served in Vietnam with the 4th Marines as a radio operator. Upon his discharge from the USMC in 1967 he became a firefighter with the Bristol Fire Dept, Engine 3 on Church Ave in Forestville, retiring after 27 years of service. He also served with the US Coast Guard reserves out of New Haven. He was a member of St. Matthew Church and also an active member of the Forestville Village Association, Forestville Cemetery Association, Pine Lake Committee, Bristol Historical Society, American Legion, Elks 1010, Marine Corps League, NSRA, Goodguys, Right Coast, Slaw Dogs and the Retired Police & Firefighters Assoc. Kit was a Big Time Yankee and Husky fan. For his entire life he owned hot rod and custom cars and loved doing all automotive work on them. He also attended many car shows around the country and had many trophies and awards to his credit. He and his wife enjoyed spending time with their neighbor and friends the Pattersons at our house and at their place in York Beach, ME. They also spent many good times at the Holden Camp in Woodbury, VT with Maryellen as a super tour guide and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Penny (St. Denis) Critchley; his two daughters Kelly (Mike) Fortin and Tracy (Kevin) Brown; his grandchildren Morgan Begin and Richie and Kayla Bournival; his sister Mother Mary Therese Critchley of Shaw Island, WA; a cousin Tony Lembo, many nieces and nephews and many long-time close friends.

Calling hours will be held on Friday January 9, 2025 at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m..

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 9 a.m. from O'Brien Funeral Home to St. Matthew Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., followed by a procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Plainville, for the burial with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of the Rock, 4865 Hoffman Cove Rd, Shaw Island, WA 98286 or Disabled Veterans, https://www.dav.org/. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Kit's tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com

Christopher "Kit" Critchley