Robert C. Cristelli

A rosary service for Robert C. Cristelli, 88, of Ada, will be held on Tuesday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ada, followed by a funeral mass on Wednesday, April 18 at 10:00am.

After 88 years of a life well lived, Robert "Bob" Charles Cristelli passed away on April 13, 2018 surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Born March 17, 1930, in Rapson, Colorado, Bob was a son to Charles and Rose Cristelli of Florence, Colorado, and elder brother to Carolyn Marty and Dorothy Payne. Bob grew up with a love for music and craftsmanship (namely woodworking), and ultimately attended the Holy Cross Abbey Academy in Canon City, Colorado, where he graduated from high school prior to taking an assignment in the United States Navy where he served as a radioman on the USS Kaskaskia.

Following a successful service in the Navy, Bob began his career in the cement manufacturing industry, where he dedicated the entirety of his 42-year professional career, ultimately retiring as the plant manager of Holcim Cement Company in Ada, Oklahoma. Bob was steadfast in his attention to detail and the many rewards associated with hard work and dedication to his craft.

Between Bob's graduation from Holy Cross Abbey and his service in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Manley of Canon City, Colorado at a music competition in Pueblo, Colorado. Bob and Phyllis immediately connected through their affinity of music and family, which is exemplified through their marriage of 49 years. Bob and Phyllis proudly raised two sons, Mick and Pat, who continue to lovingly share their parents' values and legacy with their children and grandchildren.

In his golden years, Bob received great joy and satisfaction through serving his local community of Ada, Oklahoma, along with his beloved St. Joseph Catholic Parish, and first and foremost, his family. Bob's community involvement included programs such as meals on wheels and conducting the children's train for the Ada Kiwanis Club. He dedicated considerable time serving St. Joseph's by managing the physical plant and various structural projects, and always enjoyed making gravy and carving turkey for the St. Joseph annual Smorgasbord. Finally, Bob wholeheartedly cherished his time with his sons, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, with whom he shared Italian folk-stories and danced the polka, played the accordion, and occasionally played a competitive game of bocce ball.

Bob is survived by his two children, Mick and wife Jan of Ada, Oklahoma; Pat and wife Diana of Ada, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Tony Cristelli, wife Reynolds and children Rose and Charlie of Denver, Colorado; Jamie Cristelli, child Parker Rachal of Daytona Beach, Florida; Ryan Cristelli, wife Aley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Shane Cristelli, partner Savanna Sutton and child Luca of Ada, Oklahoma; two siblings, Carolyn Marty of Lindale, Texas, and Dorothy Payne, husband Joe of Denver, Colorado; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family. All of the foregoing can be seen proudly enshrined on Bob's refrigerator.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 5160, c/o St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1300 E. Beverly, Ada, OK, 74820.