Julie Cristo

Warren - Julie “Tootsie” Cristo, 96, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Gillette Skilled Nursing Home in Warren, Ohio.

The daughter of Mike and Julia Cristo (Sekela), Julie was born in Gary, W. Virginia on August 18, 1929.  She graduated from high school in West Virginia and enjoyed a long retirement from Packard Electric after many years of service.  Many people also knew her as a waitress at the Saratoga Restaurant in downtown Warren.

Julie enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad, visiting Czechoslovakia several times. She was an active member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church where she sang in the choir and worked in the kitchen.  Her real passion was baking.  An outstanding baker, she was known for the dozens of cookies she made for weddings and for the hundreds of kolaches that she gave away as gifts at Christmas. 

She is survived by her brother Andy and nieces Sandy Cristo Waters, Susan Augustine, Nicianne Shunkwiler and nephew Martin Cristo as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Martin, Nick and Mike, her sister Anna Pehanich and her fiancé Albert Baycich.

Services for Julie will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20 at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church with viewing preceding the service from 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 

The family would like to thank Gillette Nursing Home for their compassionate care and, especially, Julie’s cousin Gloria Berish for her help and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to St, Nicholas Orthodax Church, 2053 North Rd. N.E., Warren, Ohio 44483 in her memory.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to Julie’s family.

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