J. Neil Christy, 79, of State College, PA died Tuesday March 29, 2022 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center following a brief illness.
Born Joseph Neil Christy in Dubois, PA on March 10, 1943, Neil was the second son to the late F. (Frederick) Lynn and Anne Estelle (Gaughan) Christy.
The Christy family moved from Reynoldsville PA to State College in late winter 1944. Having lived in State College beginning at age 11 months, Neil was extremely proud to be a “townie” and member of his hometown community. His historical knowledge of construction of residential neighborhoods in State College will be missed by many. He could often tell you who the original owners were to any given property and the name of the builder who constructed it!
Neil graduated from State College Area High School, class of 1962. He attended Penn State studying Hotel and Restaurant Management. Following high school, Neil worked in various retail sales jobs locally, including Lester’s Varsity Man in the Nittany Mall, Danks Department store and lastly Eddie Bauer, gaining life-long friendships. Neil also worked and lived in Scranton PA, Northern Virginia and Tucson, AZ before returning to State College.
Neil is survived by a Niece, Laurel C. Christy (Richard M. LeClear), of New York, NY and 2 great-nieces. In addition to his parents, Neil is predeceased by his brother, F. (Francis) Lynn Christy, sister-in-law, Sylvia Christy and nephew, Michael Christy.
Known for decades by countless individuals from all walks of life, Neil will be sadly missed by his State College friends and family, many of whom will miss the monthly hand-delivered Town n Gown
and State College Magazines! Neil had an affinity for four-legged feline and canine friends and was a trusted house/pet watcher while friends and neighbors left town for periods of time. With a pair of snippers in his pocket, he kept not only his apartment complex neat and tidy, but also looked to trim errant plant growth wherever he went…just to “shape it up a little.”
He was very proud of his Irish heritage and loved anything to do with Saint Patrick’s Day and was a faithful Penn State fan!
Neil was a member of Faith United Church of Christ in State College for many years.
A life celebration for Neil at Faith Church with Rev. Jes Kast officiating will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Church of Christ, 300 East College Ave., State College, PA 16801 (Put "Stained Glass Restoration" in memo line.)
Neil’s cremains will be interred with his parents in Pine Hall Cemetery in State College, at the convenience of family.
Arrangements are under the direction of PA Simple Cremation, LLC, Clearfield, PA.