Charles "Bud" Crist

Mr. Charles “Bud” Crist, 94, formerly of Wildwood Avenue, Salamanca, died peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2017 at his current residence, the Randolph Manor, Randolph, NY. He just recently entered Hospice Care, which contributed greatly to his gentle passing after a short illness.

Born on August 12, 1922 in Salamanca, NY, Bud was the son of the late Jacob and Gertrude Ballard Crist. He was married on November 14, 1945 to the former Dorothy Solarek, who predeceased him on March 31, 2010.

Bud was a proud veteran of WWII, having served from 1942-45 in the 82nd Airborne Division, from which he earned his Airborne patches and Glider Wings. He survived the D-Day Invasion, landing on Utah Beach. He was wounded by German machine gun fire and spent time in an English hospital before returning to Holland and Germany, where he suffered a severe concussion from German tank fire. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, the European African Campaign and American Campaign medals, a WWII Victory Medal, the Jubilee of Victory, New York State, and a National Defense Medal. He was also awarded the French Accommodations Medal, the Presidential Citation Medal, and the Combat Infantry and Marksmanship Badges.

He was a member of the VFW Post 5296 and American Legion Post 535 in Salamanca, NY. He was also a past member of the Holy Cross Athletic Club and the Elkdale Country Club. Bud was an active volunteer for many functions, especially those of the former St. Patrick’s Church and School. Up until this past year, he was a regular bowler in the Friday morning Senior League at Central Lanes. For many years, he also played softball for several local teams. He particularly enjoyed meals at the Salamanca Senior Center.

He retired from the US Postal Service in 1982 and was a dedicated caregiver for his wife after she lost her eyesight from macular degeneration. In his earlier years, he also worked at the former Fancher Furniture Company, in addition to working numerous part time jobs to support his young family.

Bud is survived by five children, Dick & Julie (Yehl) Crist, Jamestown, NY, Diane & James Kochaniec, John & Debra (Urbanski) Crist, both of Salamanca, NY, Chuck & Patti (France) Crist, Bemus Point, NY, Jane & Wayne St. John, Little Valley, NY; twelve grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving friend, Marie Sloand, Great Valley, NY, and the caring staff and co-residents at Randolph Manor.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, he was predeceased by one brother, Jacob Crist, one sister, Mary Catherine Forness, an infant brother, Francis, and two great-granddaughters, Emma and Ivy Totlz, who died at birth.

Per his wishes, there will be no visitation.

Friends may attend a memorial mass and celebration of life on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Parish with Rev. Peter Napierkowski, pastor, as celebrant.

Full military honors will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY immediately following the ceremony.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Randolph Manor Activity Fund, 40 East Main Street, Randolph, NY 14772, the Chautauqua Blind Association, 510 West Fifth Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, WNY Hospice, 1225 West State Street, Olean, NY 14760, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.