Roland Christy Sr.
Roland D. Christy, Sr., 89, of Syracuse and Old Forge passed away peacefully on April 24, 2013 at Upstate Medical Center following a brief illness.
Roland was born the seventh child of William P. and Catherine (Sullivan) Christy on November 3, 1923 in Old Forge, NY.
The family moved to Syracuse in 1936 and Roland graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in 1941. He joined the U.S. Navy at the start of WWII and was selected for officer candidate school. e graduated from the niversity of Richmond Virginia with a degree in chemistry.
Roland married Barbara Tiffany on October 1, 1955 in St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Inlet, NY. e taught science at Cherry Valley High School until May 1963 when Barbara passed away.
He then moved his family to Syracuse and taught science at Onondaga Central School until his retirement in 1982. oland loved teaching chemistry and was presented an excellence in teaching award from the American Chemical Society. He was also the golf coach at Onondaga Central.
During the summer months Roland was the manager of the Inlet Golf Course. He excelled at golf and set course records at the Thendara Golf Club with a 30 on the front and 31 on the back nine.
He founded the Inlet Youth Golf League and gave golf lessons to area youths through September 2012.
Roland is survived by three sons: Roland Jr. (Marianne) of Old Forge, Greg of Baldwinsville, and Edward of Syracuse. n addition, he is survived by hree grandsons: Lucas (Kelly) Christy of Greenfield Center, Tucker Christy of Ithaca, and Zachary Christy of Old Forge, and two great grandchildren, Claire and Finnian.
Also surviving are three brothers: William P. of Syracuse, Walter R. of Canton and James M. of Jamesville, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Barbara, and daughter Patricia who died in December 1973 at age 14.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 29 at the Sacred Heart Basilica, 927 Park Ave. in Syracuse. Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 at the Giminski-Wysocki Funeral Home, 1320 W. Genesee St. in Syracuse. Burial will follow at St. Marys Cemetery in Dewitt.
A Memorial Service will be held in Old Forge at a later date.
