Christopher Charles Wildgen, Sr.

Christopher Charles Wildgen Sr. died suddenly Sunday, August 21, 2022, leaving behind his grieving family.
How does one sum up a man’s life? Especially when he is as beloved and cared for as Chris? Summing up his life in a few brief sentences would not do him justice.

Chris Wildgen was born January 20th, 1958, at Somerset Medical Center, the youngest child of the late Joseph James Wildgen Sr. (formerly of Davenport Street) and Ann Hay Pinckney Wildgen (a southern belle from Beaufort South Carolina). He was hoped to have been the daughter they prayed for, and he did pay for it by wearing the frilly lacy christening dress is mother made. He grew up in his parents' home on Eastern Avenue where he would spend majority of his life. As a child he enjoyed trying his hand at sports such as basketball and wrestling, however it was the greasy metallic call only an engine could make which interested his hobbies and later his career.

He was a graduate of Somerville High School, class of 1976, and was into doing rather than learning. He always worked a part time job at the Somerville Service Station, otherwise known as Dallessio’s alongside Tom, and Dick Dallessio. He always wanted to be the hometown mechanic, known to everyone and knowledgeable on how to help.

One fine summer day walking his dog King, Chris came upon the house cat of a young teenaged girl who was sitting on her stoop. He told her to get her cat out of his dog’s way, she scoffed and said perhaps he should move his dog. King walked away with a scratch on the nose and starting the next day, Chris would ride his orange Schwinn past the girl’s house. The young girl was Donna Marie Konopka of Cliff Street, and she would end up his wife sooner rather than later. Married on April 1st, 1976, they were not the only high school couple who tied the knot, but they were in fact to be the longest lasting.
Chris knew by the end of their first date, after he pleaded and begged her to go out with him, that she was a keeper.

Chris and Donna welcomed their son, Christopher Charles Wildgen Jr., on August 20th, 1976. A daughter Amanda Ann would follow in 1979. Donna often remarked that she was probably the only high school graduate that had a husband, two kids, and a mortgage. They had their trials like any young family, but they remained evermore devoted to each other, planning their future, knowing they would grow old with one another. However, the untimely death of their son in 1989 left a huge hole in their hearts; a chasm which could never be filled. They welcomed their third child and youngest daughter, Lauren Lindsay in 1992.

They liked to race drag cars down at Englishtown, Atco, Island Dragway, and many other places. Grounds for Divorce was his signature car. It became a passion much more than a hobby; one he was looking forward to reviving once finally retired. He also looked forward to remodeling his collection of classic cars, riding down the highway in one of his challengers, and RV camping across the country with his wife in their retirement. Saving kittens along the way would be a given, he had such a huge heart as a cat man.

Chris attended Lincoln Tech and soon found himself teaching the class as he was far better skilled then the teachers whom he was wasting his money on. He worked for Public Service for many years, often spending his lunch break playing with his two children on the heavy machinery, during which he did not count as supervision.

It wasn’t until 1998 that Chris decided it was time to bring his dream to reality, he purchased the gas station and two bay garage and restaurant outside of Frenchtown and became exactly who he wanted to be. It began as All American Auto, turned Chris’s Citgo and Hot Rod Café, and later became known as Wildgen’s Automotive, but everyone knew it as Chris’. Everyone knew Chris, from the mailman to the state troopers, everyone went to Chris’ when they needed help, to ask a question, learn something new, or just sip some coffee and chat. He had many friends who adored him and family who loved him more than life itself.

A third generation Luxembourgish and German American, Chris was not the first Christopher Wildgen. He often feared the grave named Christopher Wildgen in the family plot was waiting for him, not knowing it belonged to his great grandfather Christopher Mattias Wildgen, who was in turn the son of Christopher Pierre Wildgen. Through his mother he was a descendent of the Revolutionary Soldier Col. Ann Hawkes Hay, who spied on the British and reported directly to George Washington from the Hudson River. He was also related to the framers and signatory delegates from South Caroline for the United States Constitution during the Continental Congress.

His mother was old southern gentry, descended from English, Scottish, and French royalty and nobility. His family often took charge on the battle lines of history, choosing sides and becoming powerful monarchs. However, that nobility trickled down into the veins of a salty grease monkey who was known for his temper, you hear him shout; know he is throwing something towards your feet…so jump and get out of the way.

Chris was welcomed into the eternal loving arms of his parents, his uncles Paul Rudolf Wildgen and John “Jack” Christopher Wildgen, his brother Paul Porcher Wildgen, and his cherished son Christopher Charles Wildgen Jr., as his wife and daughters said their heartfelt goodbyes

Surviving is his beloved wife of 46 years, Donna M. Wildgen, his devoted daughters Amanda Ann Keller and husband Thomas Keller, III, and Lauren Lindsay Wildgen, his adored grandchildren Genevieve Porcher, Isabella Grace, and Thomas Nelson Keller IV, his dear older brother Joseph James Wildgen Jr. “Jimmy” and wife Joanne, nieces Heather Pappas and husband Mark, Melissa Wildgen Anton, nephew Kyle Joseph Wildgen and wife Jamie, and six great nieces and nephew, along with countless cousins both Rebels and Yankees alike.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00PM at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00AM on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. Family and friends are welcome to gather beginning at 8:00AM at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Union Avenue, Somerville