Stephen J. Criste

Stephen J. Criste, 56, of Oil City passed away at his home in Oil City on October 29, 2024.

Stephen was born June 16, 1968 to Robert J. “Sam” and Barbara Ann Criste. Stephen attended and graduated from Oil City Area Schools. Stephen was previously employed by VTDC.

Stephen shared his home on West First Street with two loving housemates. Stephen enjoyed his morning newspaper with his coffee and Fruity Pebbles. He especially enjoyed a McDonald’s Big Mac and a Diet Coke. Stephen loved fishing, going for rides and sitting on the porch swing outside his home. Stephen loved the holidays and all parties and celebrations. He enjoyed watching vintage TV shows-The Jetsons, I Love Lucy, The Flintstones, Hee Haw and The Golden Girls. Stephen loved cats and his favorite dog, Jack, whom he affectionately called “bad dog.”

Stephen was preceded in death by his father and mother, his paternal grandparents, Herbert and Anna Criste, and maternal grandparents Carl and Frances Barbara Stephens, his Aunt Betty Bucholz, uncle Bil  Barber as well as by a sister, Melinda, who passed at an early age.

He is survived by his cousins Dave Bucholz and his wife, Barbara of Knoxville, TN.

Christine Gammello and her husband James  of Oil City and Betsey Kukla and husband Chris of Butler as well as many friends and extended cousins in the Stephens family.

Stephen was much loved and will be missed by his UCIP family- Mary Jo and Courtney, and numerous devoted staff, including his favorites “Buttercup”, Mark and Sandy.

Friends will be received from 10:00 A.M.-11;00 a.m. Saturday in the Reinsel Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11;00 A.M. in the funeral home with Rev. T. Christopher Hill, Presiding.

Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to a charity of ones choice.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com

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