MARBLEHEAD - MARBLEHEAD - The family of Harry C. Christensen, Jr. sadly announces Harry's passing.

Harry, or Buddy, to those that knew him by his Marblehead name, made the trip to heaven on April 20, 2025. Harry passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 78.

Harry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1968 and was proud to have served in Vietnam as a Tank Commander. On January 24, 1968, he was wounded in combat against an enemy ambush site. Due to his actions, the ambush was destroyed and saved many lives. Harry was a highly decorated veteran with many awards including the Silver Star for gallantry in action and two purple hearts. After he medically retired from the Marine Corps, he returned to his home and to his education.

Harry graduated from Salem State University and later received his Master's Degree from Boston College. After teaching in the Danvers School Department for 13 years, Harry received his Juris Doctorate of Law Degree from Suffolk University in 1983 and practiced law in Marblehead for over 40 years.

Over his career, Harry was active on many Boards and Committees in Marblehead including over 20 years on the Board of Selectmen and member and Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2005. Harry also served on the Marblehead Historical Commission and as Shellfish Constable. He was generous with his time and expertise.

Harry loved Marblehead history and for over 40 years researched the unsolved murder of Marblehead schoolteacher, Beryl Atherton. In 2022, he and co-author, Richard Santeusanio, wrote a book detailing the events surrounding her death in 1950. He was very proud of this accomplishment and would give lectures about the book up until his death.

Harry was predeceased by his parents, Harry C. Christensen, Sr., and Audrey (Mace) Christensen. Harry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marsha, his sons, Andrew G. Christensen and his wife Trista, Matthew G. Christensen, and his wife Laura, three grandchildren, Eliza, Donovan, and Mac Christensen. Harry is also survived by his brother, Henry Christensen, and his wife Debbie, his sisters Laura Best, and her husband, Jeffrey, Rae Weed, and her husband Allan and Linda Mills and her husband Mark. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Harry was a lifelong Header; he never wanted to be far from Marblehead Rock. He loved the Marines, his country, his town, and most of all, his family.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 2nd, from 4 to 8 p.m.at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street. Burial with U.S. Marine Corps & VFW honors will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, at 9:30 a.m. at Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead followed by his Funeral Service to be held at 11 a.m. at Old North Church, 35 Washington Street, Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry's memory to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Christensen family.