Joseph A. Christiansen

1946 - 2024

Joseph A. Christiansen, 77, of Utica, passed away on July 19, 2024, at Wynn Hospital, with his family by his side.

He was born, October 13, 1946, in Utica, NY, a son of William and Lena A. Miani Christiansen. Joe attended Utica schools, and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. Mr. Christiansen proudly served as a Seabee in the US Navy from 1966-1968, including service in Vietnam. On October 17, 1970, Joseph was united in marriage with Ellen Ernst, in Utica, a blessed union of 54 years. In 1968, Joe began his career with the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers International, Union of America. He worked for various local contractors as a mason. In 1981, he began working for Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center as a General Mechanic, retiring in 2003.

Joe had a tremendous work ethic, and always worked hard to make certain that his family had whatever they needed. He was the first to arrive, and last to leave the jobsite. In addition to his full time work, he often had jobs in the evening and the weekends. After his "retirement" he continued to do side jobs. He, of course, supervised all of the projects at his daughters' homes. In later years, he gave his orders to his sons-in-law from his lawn chair with his plain donut and coffee in hand. In his leisure time, Joe could be found in his garage man-cave.

Joe was a wonderful father and grandfather. He truly loved his family and was proud of all of their accomplishments. His greatest joy was his grandchildren, who lovingly called him Pop. He never missed a soccer, volleyball, softball, or baseball game, a dance recital, a concert, or a graduation. He loved watching his children and grandchildren follow their passions. He will be so dearly missed.

He was a member of St. Paul's Church, Whitesboro, the American Legion, Fort Schuyler Post #1290, Utica, and the VFW, Post #7393, New York Mills, and Post 229, North Utica.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen; two daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and John Lawter, and Jody and Michael Galime; four grandchildren, Hayley Lawter, Abigail Lawter, Lena Galime, and Michael Galime; his siblings and their spouses, Elizabeth Christiansen, Deerfield, Norma Christiansen, Marcy, John and Carol Christiansen, NC, Kenneth and Ellen Christiansen, NH, Richard and Mary Christiansen, Utica, Joan Marie Sokolowski, Utica, Mary Dunham, Bardonia, NY, and Peter and Marge Christiansen of Utica; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shirley and Anthony Perrone, Marcy; special God children, Maria Lahman, and Joanne Massarotti; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; and his monthly North Utica Lunch Buddies. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, William, James and Douglas Christiansen; brothers-in-law, Gary Dunham and Thomas Sokolowski; nephews, Frank and Joshua Christiansen; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan and George Massarotti.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Utica Fire Department; a special neighbor, Karen Boucher, and to the nursing staff of Wynn Hospital, especially his favorite nurse, his granddaughter Hayley.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Dimbleby Funeral Homes, Inc., 40 Main St., Whitesboro. The family asks that you please consider wearing red, white and blue to honor his patriotism. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., at St. Paul's Church, 16 Park Ave., Whitesboro. Interment, with military honors will follow, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org) in Joe's memory.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy may be left at www.dimblebyfh.com.