Robert C. Kristian

Robert C Kristian, 92, of Abington, died after a brief illness on Sunday September 3 at South Shore Hospital surrounded by his family and friends.

Born in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1924 he was the son of Michael and Stella Kostyna.  Bob graduated from Brockton High School in 1943. He entered the Navy during WWII and was a decorated combat veteran.   He was assigned to the submarine USS Sea Owl which distinguished herself during 3 combat patrols in the Pacific. Her crew sunk 2 Destroyers, 1 Patrol Boat, 1 Submarine ,1 Schooner, destroyed a radio station on a surface raid and recovered 6 downed aviators and took 2 POW’s.  Her crew also miraculously  survived a 14-hour long attack in which 84 depth charges were used. Bob was a plank owner of the USS Sea Owl and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, Asia Pacific Theater Medal with 4 stars, Admirals Commendation Ribbon and the Combat Action Ribbon.

After the war Mr. Kristian was able to attend college on the GI Bill. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, graduating with honors. He owned and operated Lynch’s Pharmacy in Abington for many years.  He loved his customers and would often fill prescriptions in the middle of the night if someone needed their medicine.  After his “retirement” he worked for Wal Mart in their pharmacy section until his death.

Bob had a love of photography and took many pictures of his son’s high school and college sporting events, creating lifetime memories for many of their teammates.  He also took many pictures of his customers and loved taking pictures during holidays and different events around Abington.  He enjoyed being with his family.  Bob enjoyed golfing and would still get a round in when he was able.  He also had some interests earlier in his life from riding motorcycles to playing the guitar. He had a deep love of his country and was a devout catholic.

Bob was inducted in to the Holland Club in 2014.  He was also a member of the USS Sea Owl Association and enjoyed the camaraderie of the sailors that served after him at their annual outings. 

Bob was a communicant of the Light of Christ Collaborative and Holy Family Parish where he served as a lector.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Jacqueline “Jackie” (DeCarli) Kristian and her sister Lenore DeCarli Ginsberg.   He is survived by his sister Virginia Jarvis of Hingham, his three Sons, Christopher and his wife Martha of Hanover, Paul Kristian of Abington, and Neil Kristian and his wife Kathy of Ipswich , his brother-in-law Harold DeCarli and his wife Vincent of Wilmington Delaware.  He was grandfather of Nicole, Jack, Chloe and Nate.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his dear friend Nancy Surette. 

Funeral from the Quealy & Son Funeral Home 116 Adams Street, Abington Thursday September 7 at 8am followed by a funeral mass in St. Bridget Church, Abington 9am. Visitation Wednesday 4 to 8pm. Interment St. Patrick Cemetery, Rockland.

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