Alexander Christine

Alexander Richard Christine

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest July 22, 2010, Mr. Alexander Richard Christine, 78, husband of Katherine Christine.

Mr. Christine resided in Augusta for 32 years, was a member of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church and a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He was a native of New Castle, Pennsylvania born on July 2, 1932 to parents Bennie and Angelina Christini of Cori, Italy.

Upon entering school “Al” spoke no English. He was graduated from New Castle High School in 1949 at the age of 16 where he was a standout in baseball and basketball, and a drummer in the Red Coat Band.

First in his family to attend college, Al worked several jobs in order to finance his education. He worked for a railroad performing hard labor during the day and boxed professionally at night as well as working as a draftsman at a steel mill.

In 1953 he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He attended Officer Candidate School in 1959. He was a military paratrooper, pilot and graduate of the U.S. Army’s John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. He served two tours in Vietnam with the Special Forces (Green Beret).

During his first combat tour he was shot once with small arms fire and later was injured in a mortar attack, both times refusing to be evacuated. During his second tour, while a Senior District Advisor, Al lost his right arm and left leg leading a mixed American and Vietnamese unit in defense against an overwhelming numerically superior enemy attack on November 7, 1970.

Among other military honors and medals Al received three Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, two Air Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After retiring Al focused on charitable endeavors, being recognized for such by the governors of both West Virginia and Kentucky. The latter having proclaimed him a “Kentucky Colonel”.

Family members include; wife: Kathy Christine of Augusta; daughter: Kathleen Strange (Larry) of St. Augustine FL; sons: Alexander R. Christine Jr. of St. Augustine FL, Brian S. Christine (Helena) of Birmingham AL, Bobby L. Christine (Sheri) of Evans; grandchildren: Sarah Katherine, Maria, Mary, Angelina and Peter. Mr. Christine is predeceased by daughter in law: Maureen Christine.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, with Rev. Gerald Ragan officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Immaculate Conception School, PO Box 2446, Augusta, GA 30901.

A Vigil service will be held Sunday, July 25, 2010 from 4:00 PM until 4:30 PM and the family will receive friends until 6:30 PM at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com