Obituary provided by Cynthia Maus.
Lt. Col. Tibbott “Tib” Gregory Csik, retired United States Marine Corps (USMC), ended his earthly journey Aug. 20, 2019, due to failing health. When he entered heaven, he joined his wife, Dorothy Chapman Csik, his parents Ferenc and Sarah Csik, his five siblings and many other family and friends. He now sees the face of the triune God, whom he worshipped and prayed to daily. Tib was a long time parishioner of St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church in Alta Loma, California; he considered it a privilege and duty to serve God throughout his life.
Tib was born in his parent’s home in Roebling, New Jersey April 16, 1932. He attended Holy Assumption School and Church and nearby Florence Township Memorial High School.
During his high school years, Tib discovered his talent and strength in football, gymnastics and team sports. Ultimately, football became his passion: he quarterbacked his high school team to several winning seasons. In 1949, he graduated high school, then attended Lake Elsinore Military Academy (LEMA) in California on scholarship; with Tib playing quarterback, the LEMA football team went undefeated. Tib returned to New Jersey in 1951 to attend Trenton State Teachers College (TSTC), now called the College of New Jersey. He continued in competitive college gymnastics, but it was his success on the football field that helped propel the TSTC football team to a series of winning streaks, grabbing the attention of Life Magazine, which showcased the team in an article and photo. In 2006, Tib was honored with a permanent induction into TSTC’s Hall of Fame. It was also in college where he met his future bride, Dorothy “Dottie” Clement.
After his college graduation in 1954, Tib joined the USMC as a commissioned officer, and served in Korea with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. When his tour of duty ended, he returned to civilian life at his alma mater – Florence Township Memorial High School – to head the athletic department and serve as the football coach.
Tib and Dottie got married on the day of her college graduation in 1957. He re-entered the Marine Corps in 1959 and received orders to move his family to El Toro, California. He served two more tours of duty overseas in Iwakuni, Japan and Vietnam. Of his several assignments, the most salient was serving as Commanding Officer of the Pasadena, California USMC Installation in the 1960s after he returned from Vietnam. During this time, he took great pleasure in serving as the official USMC host for the Rose Parade Grand Marshals and dignitaries. However, he also had the painful duty of informing families that their loved ones were MIA or KIA in Vietnam. He was the recipient of Individual and Unit Citations and a Meritorious Commendation. After several military moves with a growing family of five children, dogs, homes and cars, Lt. Col. Tib Csik retired from the USMC in New Orleans, Louisiana June 1, 1978.
That same year, Tib and Dottie returned to their home in Pasadena, California. In 1979, he taught Naval Science and Math at Pasadena High School. In 1980, he returned to his passion — football — when he joined the coaching and athletic department at Occidental College in Eagle Rock, California. Tib retired from his dream job 17 years later. In 2016, he was honored once again when he was inducted into Occidental College’s Football Hall of Fame.
Tib and Dottie traveled extensively and enjoyed visiting family and friends. During the Christmas season, their hilltop corner home in Upper Hastings Ranch, Pasadena attracted crowds, bus tours, carolers and news stations: they won awards year after year for their inspired and complex Christmas decorations. Tragedy struck the family in 2002 when Dottie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer; Tib was her constant caregiver until she died in 2003.
In 2007, Tib married Sandra “Sandi” Prescott. He was grateful for Sandi’s companionship, laughter, and dedication to their church, family and friends. They enjoyed traveling and sightseeing. When Tib’s health began to decline, Sandi’s devotion to him was apparent to all. She was his caregiver until he had to move into Sunrise of Claremont, a senior assisted living home.
Tib is survived by his wife Sandi, sister-in law Virginia Csik, five children — Cynthia Maus, Philip (Genell), Paul (Susan), Terry (Kathy), Stephen (Carey) — nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and their families, Sandi’s son Tom Hale, and her grandson.
In lieu of flowers, Sandi and the family ask that donations be considered to the following organizations:
St. Jude
Wounded Warrior
Semper Fi Fund
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Little Sisters of The Poor
Veterans of Foreign Wars
