Sam P. Christy, age 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Parkside Manor.

He was born on December 23, 1918 in Sheboygan, WI, the son of the late Peter and Bessie (Mihos) Christoplis.

Sam attended schools in Sheboygan and two years of college at U.W. – LaCrosse before he entered the U.S. Army on July 6, 1942. He served in the European Theater during World War II as a Medic. Sam was a proud recipient of the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged on December 7, 1945.

After Sam’s military service he returned home and continued his college education. In 1948 he earned his BS from the Milwaukee State Teachers College, in 1951 his MS from U.W.-Madison and in 1970 his MFA from U.W.-Milwaukee.

Sam began his career as an art teacher at Bradford High School in 1948. He then taught at Tremper High School and served as Art Coordinator of the Kenosha Unified School District from 1966 until his retirement in 1983.

Sam was united in marriage to Polly Karavakis on December 27, 1948 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Waupaca, WI. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Kenosha to begin their family. They lived in Kenosha for 32 years before moving to Paddock Lake where Sam especially enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren.

He was a member of Kimissis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Racine, the KEA, WEA, and the NEA.

Sam is survived by his wife of 66 years, Polly Christy; his son, Peter (Sue) Christy; and his daughters, Janice (Joe) Sielski and Nancy Schiro.

He is further survived by his seven grandchildren, Joey (Becky) Sielski, Peter (Sara) Christy, Jr., Jason (Katie) Sielski, Thomas (Kim) Christy, Jenna (Daniel) Matteucci, Samantha Schiro and Daniel Schiro; and thirteen great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles and John; and his sisters, Despho, Adriana and Dimitra.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Zeihen and all the “angels” at Parkside Manor for everything they did for Sam. He greatly appreciated your compassionate, loving care.

Service Info

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Kimissis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1335 S. Green Bay Rd., Racine. Entombment with full military honors will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park, Racine.