Richard "Chris" Christopher

Richard “Chris” Christopher passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 3rd 2023 at the age of 71, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He spent his last days at home surrounded by family and loved ones including his wife Lena (Ippolito) Christopher with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

Richie was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts to the parents of the late Charles and Anna Christopher. He was the second of three brothers to the late Charles Christopher and survived by Lenny Christopher.

Richie attended Chelsea high school and after graduation on his 18th birthday, he joined the military becoming a proud member of the USMC First Marine Division,fighting in the Vietnam War between 1970-1972.

After the war Richie married the love of his life and raised their three daughters in Saugus, MA. While working at the U.S. Postal Service, Richie also discovered a passion for service and helping veterans. Shortly after joining the Disabled American Veterans “DAV” Chapter 115 of Saugus, he was elected as their Commander. In 1995 he was then elected as the Massachusetts State Commander and later, was elected National 4th Junior Vice Commander.

In 2019 he and his wife retired to Port St. Lucie Florida. There he founded a Veterans Council in his community.

In addition to his loving wife, Richie leaves behind his children; Nicole Barlett and husband Gary of Port St. Lucie, Danielle and her husband David Sheehan of Beverly, Renee and her husband Erick of Andover, 5 Grandchildren; Ali, Richie, Sophia, Isabella, and Nathan.

Family and friends will honor Richard's life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home North Shore Chapel, 10 Chestnut St. Peabody MA 01960, on Friday, June 23rd from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  A prayer service and the presentation of military honors will take place from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to make donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516

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