John Zimmerman
Worked with Ron at Systems Integration in Owego, NY...he was a wonderful friend. I was sorry to find this obit. - John Zimmerman
Birth date: Nov 11, 1947 Death date: Aug 25, 2023
When the orders for immediate transfer came early, Rear Admiral “Rabbit” Christenson departed the pattern for his permanent duty station on the Lord’s staff in heaven on August 25,2023, entering into travel status, suddenly, at hi Read Obituary
Worked with Ron at Systems Integration in Owego, NY...he was a wonderful friend. I was sorry to find this obit. - John Zimmerman
So sorry to hear this news. Always had to stand two steps up on the staircase at Tretheague to talk to Rabbit eye to eye. My love and condolences to his family Love Felicity ❤️
I just found out about the Admiral’s passing when I read “Shipmate” last night…I am utterly shocked and offer my deepest condolences. He was my XO on THEODORE ROOSEVELT, and truly the most memorable! My favorite memory was when he asked during our Desert Storm cruise if my parachute riggers could make him a punching bag to hang in his stateroom so he could privately work out his frustrations – of course, we obliged to ensure we kept the XO happy. He was one of the best leaders and Naval Officers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work for, and I mourn his passing. God bless y’all real good!
My father, Philip Dickinson, always spoke fondly (and often with much amusement) of Rabbit and time working spent together in the Royal Navy and I know was pleased to call him a friend for the duration of their Naval careers on each side of the Atlantic and beyond. Condolences to his family but a salute to a life well lived.
Ron was a truly valued leader during his assignment in the UK. His engagement with all aspects of the business with genuine interest and attention made him a very hard act to follow. I will always have very fond memories of him and send deepest condolences to Mackie, Marty and Scot.

I'm ever so thankful for all Rabbit did to support the work that Mackie has done to support the Pro Life Republican Party efforts. As a leader he also was a most humble servant to those who served. I pray for & send my love to the Family♥️✝️️

I graduated with Ron from Mt Morris High School in 1965. As we were both identified as going to college and it was a small school, we were in the same classes with the same group of students from about 1958 through 1965.
Teachers would come and go, Junior High changed to High School but Jerry, Ron, Cheryl, Pam, Ken,Tonya, Dennie, Mike, Gary, Jim, Maryanne and others would be there with you in class sitting in alphabetical order year after year. It was the late 50’s and early 60’s. It was structure and stability.
And then we graduated and we all went in separate directions.
While I saw Ron only twice in the past 58 years, I did hear about his career in the Navy. I knew he graduated high in his class at the Academy, that he flew helicopters and he commanded an aircraft carrier. That last point to me is absolutely stunning. I can not imagine the education, the experiences or the responsibilities one has to master in order to be qualified to command an aircraft carrier.
Your passing Ron has been a jarring experience for all of us who knew you from Mt Morris. We are stunned that we now have lost you. I guess in the back of my mind I always thought you would be the last one of us standing. You are gone to soon Ron. My condolences and prayers for all of your family and friends during this time of great sadness.
Your friend,
John Gradowski
As a classmate of Ron's, we became great friends while at the Academy....it is noteworthy to know that he had from the very beginning the greatest respect from not only his classmates, but those above and below him throughout out school years....Ron served as a personal and professional role model for all who were lucky enough to know him and work with him throughout his entire career.....as his imprint on all of us has lasted a life time not only as a Naval Leader but also as a standout in industry........We are better leaders, husbands, and fathers for the experience of knowing him and serving with him....and to be his friend was "Priceless"! ........He will be missed but not forgotten........
Mike Hough
I only remember meeting the Admiral briefly last fall but was exceptionally impressed with his intelligence, humor and openness. And his height...
My deepest condolences