Obituary of Nicholas J. (Poppi) Christy

Nicholas J. (Poppi) Christy, 73, of Cortland, passed away gently at home on August 3, 2014, after a two week diagnosis of liver cancer. He was born on February 25, 1941 in Portland, Maine to Nicholas C. Christy and Hazel Crawford-Christy. Nick attended Deering High School in Portland, Maine until the age of 15, when he left to live on his own at a race track in Maryland, caring for and training horses. Nick joined the army in 1960-1964, serving in Korea. After being discharged, he worked as a Chef and construction worker, later joining a machinist program at Smith Corona. He worked as a machinist at Pall Corp. and Redding Hunter, retiring in 2006. Nick is survived by his wife of 23 years Carolyn, beautiful daughters Leslie Hitchcock of Cold Brook Road Cortland and Michelle Houlihan of Ventura, California. Stepchildren Marysue (Steve) Drake of Cortland, Donna (Al) Atkins of Cortland, Mark E. (Chris) Ellis of Cortland and Ken (Teresa) Ellis of Homer. He is also survived by grandchildren, Cori Christy, Kyle Christy, Kala Christy, Ashley (Josh), Nicky, Halie, Jacob, Sara and Kenny. He was predeceased by his Son Richard D. Trinkle in 1999. Nick enjoyed many friends, various pool leagues, fishing, motorcycle riding, and being Poppi to his three great grandchildren Jaxon, Daemon and Bella Compagni. Nick was most proud of his recovery from alcoholism. He stopped drinking on December 3, 1982. He reached the point where he knew he wouldn't drink, wouldn't want a drink and could enjoy friends in a party setting without fears of relapse. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-4:45pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9. Lincoln Ave Cortland New York, with a service to follow at 5pm. Food will follow at the Grace Christian Church on Fisher Ave. Contributions may be to The Hospice of Cortland County, 11 Kennedy Park Way Cortland, NY 13045. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com