John R. “J.R.” Cristea, 74, of Warren, PA, passed away on January 14, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 26, 1949, in Erie, PA, a son to the late Simion and Joan (Bugenhagen) Cristea. He was a 1967 graduate of Academy High School in Erie, PA and then went to work alongside his father, owning and operating the Sam Cristea Lincoln Mercury Dealership in Starbrick, PA for many years.

John was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, a member of many charitable organizations including the Pennsylvania Free and Accepted Masons as a 33 Degree Mason at the North Star Lodge #241 in Warren. He was also a member of the Elks and Moose Club but more active earlier on in life. He was an avid model railroad enthusiast and loved to boat, fish and play poker.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda (Work) Cristea who he married on May 12, 1969; his children, Cristopher (Karrie) Cristea of Warren, Melissa Hale of La Grange, GA and Sebastian (Heather) Cristea of Youngsville; his grandchildren, Joseph, Jordan Cassie, Lauren, Maggie, Arbor and Aspen; his great grandchildren, Emma, Avery, Fox and Charlie; his sisters, Cathy (Glenn) Anderson of Youngsville and Nancy Hammill of Erie and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 19th from 3-5pm at the Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 314 N. Main St, Youngsville, PA 16371. The Masons will provide a Masonic Ritual at 5pm. Burial will be private in Warren County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, 1645 West 8th St, Erie, PA 16505.

Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net.