Richard J. Christian, age 39, passed away peacefully at home after a two year long battle with cancer on May 21, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
Born on October 18, 1981 in Springfield, Richard was a lifelong Chicopee resident who attended Chicopee schools as part of the Class of 2000. He always loved technology and worked as a software developer for Community Brands in Northampton, but his most important work and true passion in life was helping people overcome addiction through Jesus.
Richard faithfully attended the Celebrate Recovery program at LifePoint Church in Chicopee where he in grew into leadership and teaching. He credits this ministry with giving him the tools he needed to maintain his own recovery, which resulted in a beautifully changed life for him. It also gave him an opportunity to encourage others and give back to his community which he so loved to do.
His strength, resilience, incredible sense of humor, compassion and the deep love he had for his family and friends will be his legacy. Richard had a strong faith and often said of his cancer diagnosis, “My body has cancer, not my soul. God’s got that.” And all who loved him continue to rest in that truth today.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Holly (Parker) Christian of Chicopee; his precious son, Henry Christian of Chicopee; his beloved mother, Susan D. (Parker) Christian of Chicopee, his brother and best friend, Randolph Christian Jr., of Chicopee, as well as his niece and nephew, Shelby Christian and Zakory Christian who he adored. He also leaves behind many close friends and extended family who will miss him dearly. Richard was predeceased by his father, Randolph J. Christian and is now reunited with him in heaven.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Richard’s honor at LifePoint Church, 603 New Ludlow Road, Chicopee, MA on Saturday, June 26th at 1:00 PM. The Grise Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to further the research of Merkel Cell Carcinoma at the link below so that more people may have the opportunity to be cured from this rare and aggressive disease. https://merkelcell.org/join-the-fight/donate.