Obituary of Christo G. Neckles

The former owner of Don’s Flowers in Danbury passed away on Tuesday, November 8, with his loving wife of 61 years, Helen, by his side. Christo G. Neckles, of Danbury, passed away at the Saint John Paul Health Center, after a multi-year struggle with Alzheimer’s. Christo ran Don’s Flowers on West Street from 1989 to 2000, at which time he retired from active employment. An accomplished and versatile tradesman and construction specialist, over the years Christo loved working with tools, finding solutions to complicated projects of all sorts and helping his family and friends with a multitude of projects, including being active in the construction of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Danbury along with other members of the church. Christo ran Chris Plumbing & Heating in Westchester County in his earlier years, before taking a job in the Facilities Department at Union-Carbide’s global headquarters in Danbury. He and his wife subsequently moved to Danbury, where he bought and operated Don’s Flowers. He also built two new houses for his family as well as renovated a third dwelling, each time serving as general contractor. Born on March 16, 1930 in the Bronx, New York, Christo was the son of Frieda and George P. Neckles. A loving family man, Christo was never happier than when surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind his wife, Helen Neckles of Brookfield, a sister, Xenia Tangalakis of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, four daughters and sons-in-law, including Frieda and Gary Sawyer of Hopewell Junction, NY; Yvonne and Michael Cech, of Danbury; Xenia and Charles Zarcone, of Brookfield; and Chryse and Scott Terrill, of Southbury, many nieces and nephews, as well as nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Kelly and Nate Fears and their children Oliver and Eva, Amanda Sawyer, Christopher Cech, Ashley Cech, Sara Zarcone, Stephen Zarcone, Samantha Zarcone, William Terrill and Max Terrill. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Thursday, November 10th between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 pm. On Friday morning, friends are invited to gather at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Danbury. between 10:00 and 11:00 am for additional visitation. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06811. Please visit www.CornellMemorial.com to share condolences with the family.