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Paul J. Christner 111, 76, of Chatham, NH and Philadelphia, PA, died peacefully on the morning of March 16, 2022 after a battle with brain cancer. Paul lived a full life and was known for his quick wit and his love of hiking and his German Shepherd dogs.
He was born in New York City on January 8, 1946 and adopted by Paul and Esma Christner six months later. He was raised primarily in Montclair, New Jersey and was a proud graduate of Montclair High School. He went on to attend Princeton University and later the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his doctorate in Microbiology. He studied abroad in Graz, Austria and made lifelong friends in the Feichtinger Family.
He settled for many years in West Philadelphia where he married, had three children and later met his partner Tom Schnepp. Tom predeceased Paul by 11 years to the day and also died of brain cancer.
Tom and Paul shared a love of the German language and culture and focused on family life and raising Paul's 3 children. After Tom passed away, Paul focused on his new partner Joseph Ilaria, his grandchildren and his dogs. He spent his later years hiking and canoeing in New Hampshire while maintaining a part time teaching job.
Paul was passionate about his scientific research and his teaching and felt these were important contributions he could make to society. He enjoyed his many colleagues in the research world over the years at his jobs at the University Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University and Temple University. Paul was an intelligent investor and interested in business. He purchased real estate in Philadelphia, New Hampshire, and Florida. During the 90's, Paul owned and operated a three-story bar and restaurant in center city Philadelphia.
He is survived by his partner, Joseph Ilaria; his children, Paul Christner, Anna Pritchard, and John Christner; his daughter in law, Brenda Christner; his son in law, Clifford Pritchard; his grandchildren, Amelie Christner, Finnegan Christner, Aloisia Christner, Clifford Pritchard, Khalil Pritchard; his sister, Lynn Fenelon; and his close family friend Julia Feichtinger.
This photo was taken by Doris Davidson Snyder at Tierney's during our 55th reunion.
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Barbara Ayers (Parker)
Jay was my first serious boyfriend and I adored him. We were together for about 3 years before college came in the way. He was kind and smart and had a lot of pressure from his family to go to Princeton and succeed. In that regard, I'm sure he made them happy. I had heard he changed his lifestyle and we actually met up in NY some time before the 50th reunion and had lunch. He was happy with the changes in his life but devestated that his partner had died. He even brought his dog to NY for the visit and it was obvious he loved dogs. We were supposed to meet up again in Florida where he had a condo but I am afraid his health kept that from happening. I will always think fondly of him.
Carol Freyn (King)
I'm heartbroken. Jay was my oldest friend dating back to 5th grade at Watchung. We kept in touch over the years ... sometimes more off than on. But since the 50th reunion we'd been chatting often and having a meal together when we could. Great friend and I will miss him muchly
Gerard Harney
So sorry to learn of the passing of Jay. We were good friends in HS and would see each other while both living in Philadelphia during graduate school.. He was incrediibly smart and always lived life to the fullest. We will all miss him. Gerard
Lynn Kelley
Jay and I were good friends in high school, and we kept in touch during college. After college, as often happens, we lost touch. When preparations for the 50th reunion started, I discoved Jay was right here in the Philadelphia area. I couldn't make it to the reunion, but Jay and I managed to meet for lunch and a walk on a beautiful fall day. We had 45 years of catching up to do, and I am left with a lovely memory of our last meeting.
Barbara Ralph
I am not sure when I first met Jay. I do remember playging cards with him at the Montclair Beach Club way back in the day. We laughed, switched up between bridge and hearts, and then made a mad dash into the water. He was always fun to be around. It was so good to see him at our reunion. Sounds like he had a fulfilling life...good for him!!!