U.S. Marine during World War II had many skills
Published in the August 4, 2016 edition
WAKEFIELD — Calvin P. Christopher, 89, of Wakefield died Sunday, July 31, 2016 at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.
Born in Wakefield on Nov. 11, 1926, he was the son of the late Pasquale A. and Geneva (Pierleone) Christopher.
Calvin was raised and educated in Wakefield. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps when he was just 17 years old. He trained on Guadalcanal, and was a High Marksman, second in his Division. He served in the Sixth Marine Division during World War II. He was wounded in combat at Sugarloaf Hill during battle on Okinawa and was also a recipient of the Purple Heart Award.
Calvin mastered many skills, including hunting, fishing, gardening and his favorite, wild mushrooming.
He excelled in stonework and masonry and was a spectacular cook.
He will be remembered as a generous and loving man.
He was the beloved husband of his late wife Ethel Ellen (Williams) Christopher. Calvin was the loving father of Patricia Ingersoll and her husband John of North Reading and Norway, Maine; Michael Calvin Christopher and his wife Chrissy of Sanbornville, N.H.; Daniel Robert Christopher and his wife Judith of Lebanon, Maine; Paula Maria Gaudreau and her husband Edward of North Reading, and the late Paulette A. Christopher. He was the brother of Anthony Christopher of Salem, N.H. and the late Robert Christopher. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Guy Gaudreau and Leah Gaudreau.
Calvin’s funeral service will be held in the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati OH 45250 or at www.dav.org.
