John R. Christian, Jr., a longtime resident of Beacon, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026 at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh with his son by his side. He was 77 years old.

John was born on January 3, 1949 in Cold Spring, the son of the late John R. Christian, Sr. and Elizabeth Barger Christian. He earned an associate degree and enjoyed a long career, retiring as a manager with IBM in Poughkeepsie in 2006 after 37 years. In his younger years, John also worked at his father’s business, Chris’ Auto Body Shop repairing trucks and also Allen Coal in Cold Spring.

John married the former Donna Mayen on December 6, 1968 at St. Joachim Church. They were happily married for 54 years until her passing in 2023.

Deeply devoted to his community and his faith, John was a parishioner of St. Joachim – St. John the Evangelist Church in Beacon and served as usher. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Trinity Council #445 where he served as recorder for many years. John also served as president of the Jessen Park Homeowners Association for many years and was actively involved along with his wife with the Beacon Republican Committee.

A true car enthusiast, John enjoyed automobiles and appreciated everything about them. He was also handy and could often be found working on projects and making repairs around his home. Above all else, his greatest pride and joy was his grandson, Leo.

John is survived by his son, Bryan Christian and his wife, Agnieszka; his daughter-in-law, Dennine Christian; his beloved grandson, Leo Christian; his step-grandchildren, Devan and Ethan Furgeson, his sister, Gail Byrnes; and his nieces and nephews, Terri Aasen, Michael Jones and Heather Cote.

In addition to his parents and wife, John was predeceased by his son, David Christian, in 2022, and his brother, Alan Christian.

Family and friends will gather on Thursday, August 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman Street, Beacon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Joachim Church, 51 Leonard Street, Beacon. Burial will follow at St. Joachim Cemetery in Beacon.

Memorial donations in John’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence.

To send a personal condolence, please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.