John C. Kristoff

February 3, 2021

STERLING/VERO BEACH, FL - John C. Kristoff, 82, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach. Born and raised in Sterling, John was the son of the late Christian and Katherine (Arkel) Kristoff and lived most of his life here before moving to Florida in 2016. His loving wife of 42 years, Phyllis J. (Robichaud) Kristoff died in 2011. John was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School, class of 1956 where he was voted "Class Tarzan." He then attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst where he received a degree in Animal Husbandry. After graduating college, John went on to work at his family's farm in Sterling where he applied his passion and knowledge of agriculture. While working on the farm, he also sold Knapp Shoes and Christmas trees for many years. In the 1980’s, John took over the reins of his family's Sterling Peat business which he successfully ran until his retirement in 2016. John was considered quiet, hardworking, and generous with his time and resources. In his younger years he was instrumental in St. Richard’s Parish annual Apple Fiesta and the Sterling Horse Show. He enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards, pitch tournaments, and was also a member of the former Sterling Bowling League. He enjoyed time with his family and never met a good meal he did not enjoy eating. In his later years he enjoyed visiting a casino and his retirement. He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his son, John T. Kristoff and his wife Laura of Chicago; two daughters, Julie Donohue of Pepperell and Allyson Picard and her husband Charles of Sterling; two sisters, Catherine Beyer and her husband, Donald and Teresa Parker all of Sterling; three grandchildren, Lauren Donohue, Anna Kristoff and Taylor Picard; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, John is predeceased by four siblings, Mary, Joseph, Agnes and Christian Jr., and a son in law, Michael Donohue. Out of an abundance of love and concern for the safety of relatives and friends, a funeral Mass will be celebrated privately at St. Richard of Chichester Church in Sterling. John will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Phyllis at Hillside Cemetery in Sterling. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sterling Firefighters Association, P.O.Box 21, Sterling, MA 01564, or the Sterling Historical Society, 7 Pine St., Sterling, MA 01564. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, Sterling. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit "The Tribute Wall" on this page.