Obituary of Walter J. Kristie

Walter John Kristie , 98, of Nealy Street Liberty, S.C., passed away Wednesday morning after a brief illness. Born June 8, 1913, in St. Clair, PA, the son of the late Charles and Helen Rutkauckas Kristie Kristaponis. Walter was married to the former Mary Marion Kadzis May 29, 1938. Walt began a long career in 1929 at Mohawk Carpet Mills in Amsterdam NY, moving to Liberty SC in 1968 when the company relocated there. He retired in 1978. He is survived by two sons, Wayne R. Kristie, Easley, SC and Gerald W. Mary Lou Kristie, Amsterdam, NY. Three grandchildren, Brad G. Kristie, Amsterdam, NY, Elizabeth M. Scott Fecteau, Portland, CT, Alison A. Paul Ciarlante, Salt Point, NY. Three great-grandchildren, Nathan S. and Benjamin R. Fecteau and Olivia J. Weeks-Kristie, sisters in law Mildred Whelly and Frances DiBartolomeo both of Amsterdam and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Mary K. Kristie on December 31, 2009, grandson Brendon G. Kristie on June 13th of this year, infant granddaughter Amy Kathryn Kristie, parents Charles Kristie and Helen Zyzes, stepfather Walter Zyzes, brothers Matthew Kristie, Felix and Edward Zyzes While living in Amsterdam he was a member of St. Casimir's Church, and following their move south, Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens, SC and the Knights Of Columbus at the church. He was an avid golfer into his 98th year. In his youth Walt played basketball for the ALC team in Amsterdam. He was a wonderful and caring husband, a loving father and wonderful grandfather. Walt had a positive and caring nature- to him his glass was always "half full". A prayer service will take place Wednesday at 11:00 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. The Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis officiating. Interment will follow in St. Casimir's Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, Nov. 1st from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. A Mass will be offered at Holy Cross Church in Pickens S.C. at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Upstate, in South Carolina in care of the funeral home office.