Dr. Christopher Michael Erstling, born November 1, 1947, in New York City, died October 9, 2026 at the John Clarke Nursing Center in Middletown, RI.
Chris leaves behind his devoted wife Dr. Susan Erstling of Newport, RI, loving daughters Emily Erstling of New York City and Kate Erstling of Hampton Falls, NH, and son-in-law Timothy Frazier and grandson Wiley Frazier, also of Hampton Falls. Chris is also survived by his brother Robert Erstling of Spring, TX, brother Greg Erstling (Marjorie) of Upper Saddle River, NJ, and sister Andrea Erstling (Philippe Charles) of Tarrytown, NY, in addition to many other family members and a community of peers and people whom he has helped find peace and recovery over the years. He is pre-deceased by his parents, George and Margaret Erstling of Haworth, NJ, and his sisters Irene and Dorothy.
Chris was born in New York City and moved to New Jersey with his family, where he graduated from Bergen Catholic High School as a national merit scholar and senior class president. During high school, Chris developed some of his many talents, including playing for the football team, changing into his band uniform to perform on trumpet with the marching band during halftime, and back into his football jersey to finish the second half of the game. Chris graduated from Seton Hall University in 1969 and from the New Jersey College of Medicine in 1973, stealing away to see the ballet at Lincoln Center when he could grab a free evening.
Chris completed his internship at the University of Pittsburgh and embarked on a career in Psychiatry, practicing at Western Psych at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Shadyside Hospital, as well as in private practice. Chris was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Institute, president of the Pittsburgh Psychiatric Society, and a member of the University Club of Pittsburgh. A lover of art, music and performance, Chris was an avid consumer and supporter of the cultural offerings in Pittsburgh, and remained a Steelers fan for life.
In 1994, Chris, Susan, Emily, and Kate embarked on the adventure of moving to Rhode Island, where the family had spent many summers. In Newport, Chris practiced at the Newport Mental Health Center, and later at Newport Hospital, where he served as Chief of Psychiatry. Chris also practiced at Butler Hospital in Providence and taught courses at Brown University. He finished his illustrious career proudly serving American veterans as a psychiatrist at the Middletown VA Clinic.
In Chris’ free time, he read voraciously, sailed his cat boat on the Sakonnet River, listened to jazz and played the stand-up base, and supported local visual artists. If you were looking for him on a sunny afternoon, you’d find him on a lawn in Tiverton on the edge of the Sakonnet, camped in one of the Adirondack chairs he built, wearing a faded baseball cap of one of his daughters’ many alma maters, chewing on a cigar and deep into a thick tome. Frequently, a mini dachshund, Roxie, would be keeping his lap warm.
Chris will be remembered for his professional accomplishments and his impact on his community, but most of all, for his steadfast support of his family, providing an environment where they could thrive, achieve, and enjoy all the opportunities life would offer.
Donations in his memory may be sent to John Clarke Senior Living, 600 Valley Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, johnclarkeretirement.kindful.com/?campaign=1395962.
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