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Howard Christensen Obituary
Howard was born on Oct. 26, 1930, in New London, the son of the late Charles and Edna (Greene) Christensen. He was a graduate of Chapman Tech, the University of Vermont and Tufts University. After graduating from UVM, he entered the Air Force and served in Alaska as an intercept controller. He earned his Master's Degree in Teaching from Tufts, and began his teaching and coaching career at Waterford High School, coaching baseball for 26 years and teaching for 39 years. "Mr. C" ended his coaching career with 335 wins and 87 losses. Several of his teams went undefeated and at one time his teams won 33 straight games. During his teaching career, "Mr. C" as he was known, taught history and served as the department chair. In 1996 he was named Who's Who Among Teachers in America.
In addition to teaching he was active in the Niantic Community Church, serving on many boards, and in his community as a member of the East Lyme Finance Board. In recent years he had been an active member of the Board of the Chapman Foundation which awards college scholarships to students in New London County.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Janice Thomson Christensen, two sons, Mark J. Christensen (Kathryn) and children James, Eva and William. Paul H. Christensen (Lori) and children Katie, Alison and Sarah. Three daughters, Karen C. Day (Douglas) and children Samantha, Alexandra and Kristina; Edie C. Thompson (Tom) and children Molly, Benjamin and Samuel; Janice C. Quartararo (Michael) and children Elena and Christian; his sister Eleanor Waring (Arnold), cousin Arnold Bach and many nieces and nephews. Howard was pre-deceased by his parents, Charles and Edna and siblings Edna, Charles Jr. and Paul.
The family will receive friends and family from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St. New London.
Funeral Service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 at the Niantic Community Church in Niantic. Burial with Military Honors at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Miracle League c/o East Lyme Parks and Recreation 41 Society Rd. Niantic, Conn. 06357 or Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, Conn. 06357
Please visit www.byles.com for more information or to sign the online register.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Christensen
Sponsored by Byles Memorial Home - New London.
George Colonis
June 26, 2022
Back in the mid 80s, i had a 1 dollar bill that the vending machine would not accept; and I was starving for a snack. Mr. C walked past me, I got his attention and asked if he had change for a dollar. Sure, he says, and hands me some change. I start to the vending machine but realize I somehow had much more than the 1 dollar I had coming, and stopped him to say "Mr. C, you gave me too much" The true life teacher that he was simply said to me "Always count your change, George."
Tom Donnee
October 25, 2020
Such a gentleman and mentor for the students to be fortunate enough to have known him. It's people and teachers like you that made the Waterford community the wonderful place it is
Tony, Ann & Boys Gigliotti
November 12, 2018
Christensen Family,
We were very saddened to read of Howie's (Mr. C) passing. Howie was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was a great coach and teacher. As a coach he taught hundreds of athletes (including ours) good sportsmanship. He never uttered a cuss word. He was responsible for WHS baseball success for many years. He will be sadly missed by both the academic and sporting worlds. With the current turmoil in our country he is in a better place, Rest in peace Mr C, rest in peace.
Dawnia Lumadue-Parisek
November 5, 2018
Rest in Peace kind sir
The Lumadue Family
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Tom Heatley
November 5, 2018
Howie was a good guy, good teacher and a good baseball man. Condolences to the Christensen Family. He will be missed. Tom Heatley, Class of 1966.
November 5, 2018
Rest in peace Sir
the Winslow Family
Rick White
November 3, 2018
I was a member of his team at the tail end of the 33-game win streak. He told me he liked to hide one of his best hitters in the No. 6 spot in the batting order. Not sure if that was true but he sure had one tiny, shy sophomore convinced. And it was during a time in my life when I was more than skeptical of anything an adult said.
WHS, Class of 1977
Sue Tuthill
November 3, 2018
I will miss you Mr C. You were one of my favorite teaches at WHF You were always so kind to me. You made a great impact On my life. Rest In Peace.
Carole (Lee) Baier
November 3, 2018
Dear Christensen Family, I had Mr C for history at WHS. His storytelling was soft spoken yet vivid. He gave me the blessing of loving history. He was my favorite teacher of all. I'm so sorry to learn of Mr C's passing. My prayers are with you all for strength and peace WHS. 1967
Jennifer Spaulding
November 3, 2018
One of the sweetest men I have ever come to know. Rest in peace Mr. C
paul GUIDO
November 2, 2018
One of many great teachers and mentors that WHS was privileged to provide to it's students. Mr. Christensen was a terrific teacher and coach at Waterford for many years. Condolences to his family for their loss. Paul Guido '65.
John Birdsall Secretary
November 2, 2018
On behalf of Brother Howards Membership in Union Lodge No 31 A.F.&A.M for 65 years we send our condolencesto the family. He has given to his country, to his community and to all his prior students at Waterford High School May He rest in Peace.
Dorothy Kent
November 2, 2018
Mr. C was a dear sweet man who cared about his students and make history class interesting and fun. You were my favorite teacher at WHS. With sympathy. Dorothy Hull Kent "65"
Tom Donnee
November 2, 2018
Teacher, coach, adviser and friend. He was all of those to our class. If someone is lucky you get to meet and know someone like Howie. Family, you will hear it a lot in the next few weeks, and I am going to say it again. He was a truly wonderful person to be around.
Jeannine Sicard
November 1, 2018
Dear Jan and family: it has been many years since I have left East Lyme but will always remember what a consummate gentleman your husband was. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Merrill and Joan Lozanov
November 1, 2018
We feel deep sorrow at the passing of Howie. We share your loss,and offer our heartfelt sympathy to Jan and the Christensen family.
Joan and Merrill
Ray Hayes
November 1, 2018
So sorry for your loss my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
I had Mr Christensen for my history class and he was my favorite teacher.Class of 62
Ray Hayes
Barbara Birmingham
November 1, 2018
Hi Jan,
So sorry to hear about Howie. Brought back so many memories of all the parties at Dad's house and how many of that crew are now gone. Prayers and love to you and the family.
Love, Barbie
November 1, 2018
So sorry to hear of his passing. I had a class with him when I was at Waterford High. I loved his class and I loved the wonderful man he was. My sincere condolences to the family.
Maggie Lewis-Liparulo
Class of 65
David Bednarz
November 1, 2018
Mr. C was a wonderful teacher, I had his class in the mid 1980's. An engaging storyteller who really brought history alive. I definitely benefited from the experiences in his class. I am very sorry for your loss.
Peter & Peggy Ververis
November 1, 2018
Paul,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss.
Beth McC
October 31, 2018
God Bless Grandpa Howie. While he is now free from his health struggles, he will be missed. So sorry for the families' loss of such a special man.❤
Christine Perry
October 31, 2018
Dear Christensen Family. We are so very sorry for your loss of Grampa Howie! He was a very sweet special man! Our love to you all. The Perry Family
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