CHRISTIANSEN - Robert E., 89, passed away due to pulmonary-heart disease on September 23, 2021, in Fort Pierce, FL. He was born on March 19, 1932, in Oceanside, NY, to Jens and Rose Christiansen. They lived in Malverne and then, later, in West Hempstead. He was a horseman in his youth. His horse, Chief, stabled at Lakeside Riding Academy. Together, they rode along potato fields and trails on Long Island. He was drafted and served in 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army in the Korean War. He was a proud resident of Levittown for 57 years. He owned and operated Modern Floor Waxing. His visits to I. Janvey for metal pails of wax sometimes doubled as social calls, with his son occasionally along for the adventure. A family man, always there for his wife and children, he made vacation time based on his family's schedules, while reminding them that "his customers are the boss," whenever one of his children tried to tell him he "doesn't have a boss." Everyone answered the phone with the greeting, "Floor Waxing, Hello." Vacations, weekend jaunts and day trips were taken via his station wagon. He and his wife of 65 years, Barbara, gradually relocated to Vero Beach, initially in 2002, and full-time in 2013. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Schultz); their son, Robert C.; daughters, Diane Jennett, Nancy (Frank) Bachety; grandchildren, Christy (Todd) Jackson, Paige Bachety McDermott (Regis), Brenna Bachety, Luke Bachety, Kyra Bachety; great-grandchildren, Nolan Randy Jackson and Isla Rose Jackson; niece, Linda Menear; and nephews, John and Gary Christiansen, and several cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Arnold; son-in-law, Robert Jennett; and grandson, Randy Robert Jennett. Commital service with military honors will be held at 2pm on Friday, November 12, 2021, at Long Island National Cemetery, in Farmingdale, NY.

Published by Newsday on Oct. 10, 2021.