Chris Martin Joseph Criswell

Amidst the sounds of love and laughter, and surrounded by his loving family, Chris Martin Joseph Criswell, 50, of Rochester, entered his heavenly home. Born January 19, 1962, in Sewickley, he was the youngest son of Richard Kenneth & Hilda “Suzy” (Rex) Criswell of Chippewa Twp. Chris was the beloved husband of Denice A. (Wachter) Criswell whom he married 16 years ago. Chris graduated from Rochester High School (Class of 1980) and then he graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. He started at Lockhead in Marietta, GA and relocated back home to work at US Airways as an Airframe & Power Plant (AP) Mechanic specializing in structural repair where he continued to be employed until his unexpected passing.

Chris was a member of the following Fraternal Organizations: Rochester Lodge #229 F & AM, Syria Shriners-Cheswick, PA, Beaver County Caravan #18, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, New Castle Consistory and Naomi Chapter #55, Order of the Eastern Star. Chris was a member of the H.C. Fry Glass Society. He was member of the Rochester First United Methodist Church.

He and his wife enjoyed cruising in their Corvettes and on his Harley Davidson. A shared love of adventure had them exploring caves and lighthouses and they enjoyed visiting Bed & Breakfasts across the country.

Chris is survived by his loving wife of 16 years: Denice A. (Wachter) Criswell; his father and mother: Richard and Hilda “Suzy” Criswell, Chippewa Twp.; his siblings, Suzan Freed, Rochester; Sheree (James) Jaszcar, Darlington; R. Rex (SueAnn) Criswell, Rochester; Sally (John) Petcovic, Negley, OH and Star (Luke) Myers, Wampum. He was “Uncle” to, MSGT Scott L. (Melanie) Freed, USAF; John (Ellen) Petcovic; James (Malia) Petcovic, Skyler (Julie) Freed; Dean Borato; Sarah Petcovic; Joe Petcovic; Rick Criswell; Eva Criswell; Jessica Criswell; Jake Jaszcar; Brittany Myers; Torin Criswell; Carl Jaszcar and 2 great-nieces, Sloane Freed and Sienna Freed. Also surviving are his aunts and uncles: Wilma Criswell, Berlin Center, OH; Joseph (Lynn) Rex,Engelwood, FL; Mimi Miller, Beaver; and sister- in- law, Dayna Wachter & Ken Berbach, Big Beaver and brother- in- law, Doug (Sandy) Wachter, Hutchinson Island, FL. Chris had a special affection for their white standard poodle, Lady Liberty, who was a faithful and loving companion that brought them much joy.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Kenneth & Dorothy Criswell and maternal grandparents, Joseph & Hilda Rex, aunts and uncles: Dr. Bill & Delores (Criswell) Beck, Thomas Criswell, Elmer Rex, Lois Rex, Robert Miller and his in-laws, Joseph & Shirley Wachter.

Friends will be received today, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). His funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with his pastor, The Reverend Donald Dotterer, officiating. Private entombment will follow. Members of Naomi Chapter #55, Order of the Eastern Star will have a brief service on this evening at 7 p.m. followed by the Masonic Service.

If desired, memorial donations may be directed to the Masonic Education Committee, C/O Rochester Masonic Lodge #229, Chris M.J. Criswell, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 47, Rochester, PA 15074 (please write Chris M.J. Criswell Scholarship Fund on check notation). Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com