Keith Christianson

New London — Keith Robert Christianson, 97, died in New London, March 4, 2021, of complications from diabetes. Born in

New London, he was a graduate of the

Bulkeley School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in bacteriology from UConn, was past president of the UConn Alumni Association and was recipient of UConn’s alumni service award in 1994.

He met the love of his life, Joyce Fraser, at UConn. After completing OCS during World War II, he married Joyce, with whom he had four children. He served his entire career with ER Squibb & Sons where he rose to be National VP of Sales. After retiring from Squibb, he returned to New London, where he enjoyed serving on the Water and Sewer Commission as well as the Zoning Commission for many years. He was very proud of his leadership role in the establishment of Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut, and he served as a corporator for Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. He was also the chair of the Bulkeley Scholarship Fund for many years.

He was predeceased by his wife Joyce; and his son Scott. He is survived by his daughter Susan of Simsbury; his daughter Carol of Westfield, N.J., and his son Peter of Stow, Mass.; as well as seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his stepsister Frederica Wellington Valois of Woods Hole, Mass.

Byles Memorial Home will handle arrangements; burial will be private at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, New London, or Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut.