Joseph P. Christiansen, Jr., 76, of Meredith and a well-known retired Nashua educator, passed away Friday morning, October 28, 2016 at the Lakes Region Hospital in Laconia after a brief battle with cancer.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 10, 1940, he was a son of the late Joseph Paul and Anne (Martin) Christiansen. As a young man, Joe resided in Londonderry, NH and was a graduate of the former Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester, Class of 1959. He furthered his education at Keene State College, earning his Bachelor and Master’s Degree. He served in the Air National Guard from 1958 through 1962.
Mr. Christiansen taught Business and Social Studies in his early years as an educator. He went on to become a Guidance Counselor and Chairman of Guidance Department in the City of Nashua. He also taught Driver Education to hundreds of students during his 38 years with the Nashua School System, retiring in 2003.
Mr. Christiansen was a founder of The Plus Company and a Past President of the NARC at the former Mount Hope School both in Nashua. A resident of Meredith for the past 11 years, he was currently serving as President of his condominium association.
A devoted and loving husband and father, Joe found his greatest joy in the company of his family. His motto everyday was to do one good deed for someone. In his leisure time, he enjoyed snowmobiling, boating and taking long walks. He was an enthusiastic fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox.
Members of his family include his loving wife of 53 years, Marguerite L. “Marge” (Burpee) Christiansen; his three children, Kathie Christiansen of Meredith, Lori Goodwin and her husband Shane of Washington, NH and Bryan Christiansen and his wife Theresa of Pembroke; his grandchildren, Jocelin, Camden and Alex Goodwin and Evan and Joseph R. Christiansen; a brother and his wife, Robert and Sue Christiansen; three sisters and their husbands, Jean and Bill Lyons, Donna and Gary Miller and Rita and Mark Sever all residing in California; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Joe was also predeceased by a brother, Dennis Christiansen.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Sunday afternoon, November 6th from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua on Monday, November 7th at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Plus Company, 19 Chestnut Street, Nashua, NH 03060 http://www.pluscompany.org/ or to the Laconia Senior Center, 17 Church Street, Laconia, NH 03246 https://sites.google.com/a/bm-capes.org/elder-services/laconia . Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
