Chris was a constant in my college experience as we both spent a ton of time at the Institute of Politics. I remember him as a kind, thoughtful, intelligent, and earnest person. His pass fills me with sadness and is a loss for our community and society. My heart is with his family and loved ones, and I'll be holding all y'all in my thoughts <3.
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I met Chris when I was serving as the Harvard Institute of Politics Director. Chris was one of our student leaders, so he spent a lot of time around the IOP. He was a great conversationalist and very curious. I always appreciated that he went to so many of our events - not just the ones that he helped with. It was clear that he wanted to learn, and one of the best ways to do so was to interact with our Forum and Study Group guests and our Resident Fellows.
When I returned home to Kentucky in 2014, I didn't get a chance to see too many members of the IOP family, with most living in the Boston-NY-DC corridor, or in other big cities. But I did get to visit with Chris during his clerkship with Judge John Rogers. We had a great lunch one day at Dudley's, caught up, talked politics, provided updates about our common connections, and swapped stories about the Episcopal Church to which we both belonged. I really enjoyed seeing how much Chris had grown during law school and as a professional, and I looked forward to seeing what his future would hold.
I received an email this morning from Jeff Solnet, one of Chris's IOP colleagues, letting me know about his passing, and it brought tears to my eyes. My prayers and condolences go to his parents, family, and friends. Chris was a shining light for those of us who had the good fortune to know him.
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I had not seen Chris much since college but I remember him fondly as such a bright, charismatic, and thoughtful person. He was always happy to see you, with a smile and an enthusiastic handshake or hug. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing and send my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
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I met Chris while we were both summer associates at WilmerHale in 2016. We were all friends back then, but Chris and I got to know each other far better when we worked together in the same practice group when Chris returned from his clerkship and sat one door down from me in the financial institutions group. Chris was truly passionate about banking regulation and was always willing to have a lively conversation about banking policy.
One moment that stands out to me with Chris was when he joined me to do the Out of the Darkness Walk put on by AFSP for suicide prevention. I lost my younger brother to suicide in 2016, and I was touched and grateful for the support shown by him. After that, Chris checked in on me every year for both my brother’s birthday and the death anniversary. My last message from Chris is from July 2023 giving kind words in response to a post I made about what would have been my brother’s 27th birthday.
While Chris and I weren’t as close in recent years as we were in the past, his generosity and good heart have always shined through. He will be sorely missed.
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May you be blessed by wonderful memories of Chris and all the good he did in this world.
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Our hearts go out to you all during this time.
In deepest sympathy,
Franklin, Victoria, Alexander & Christophe Wassmer
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Chris and I were in Section 4 at Harvard Law School together. He was one of the smartest people I have ever met, coupled with being incredibly nice and easy to talk to. We had the chance to connect again when Chris took the Boston Bar Exam in case he would return to Boston, and were able to chat for nearly 45 minutes during the exam outside Seaport when Chris had finished the multiple choice portion incredibly early. Chris was one of our brightest stars and like other stars whose light is taken away from us, we'll be cherishing the light that still shines for hundreds of years. Thoughts and prayers with you Chris and your family, friends, and all who get to see your light.
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Chris’s brother, Sam, our friend Troy, and I went to Lexington, Kentucky for the Harvard/Kentucky basketball game while Chris was clerking for a judge in Lexington and Sam, Troy, and I were seniors in college.
After a morning in airports and an afternoon on Northern Kentucky highways, Chris’ proposal that the four of us go to his favorite barbecue restaurant in town was extremely well-received. Over dinner and a few other stops that night, Chris shared memories of his time at Harvard, his favorite spots in Lexington, stories from growing up with Sam, and every inch of floor space in his apartment. I reflect back on that trip often as it was one of my favorite weekends of college.
Although I did not know Chris well, I will always remember his kindness and generosity. I am so grateful for his hospitality that weekend and I know that he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Danello family.
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Always with a ready smile through the years at Maret. I remember Chris as being so intelligent with an innocence and eagerness to embrace life in its fullest. He was a friend of our daughter at Maret with whom they lost touch and she feels his loss deeply as do we. Our hearts go out to the family in their grief.
In response to "What always reminds you of Chris?"
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Christopher was a compassionate, intelligent, soulful, kind, and ever always an other centered student when he attended Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Day School during my tenure there. He was mature beyond his years, an old soul, and one of the best and brightest people I have ever met in my life. I was honored to serve as his teacher and chaplain. I learned how to be a better person from him simply by basking in his light and love.
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I feel fortunate to have recently spent time with Chris. For years, I heard from Mike about his older brother’s incredible intellect, kindness, and drive. He lived up to his billing in our first conversation, which was wide-ranging. At one point, we discussed what makes a flag “good.” Chris, without hesitation, mentioned “vexillography” – the art and practice of designing flags – and made suggestions for improving DC’s flag. His encyclopedia knowledge and creativity were amazing. We also talked about his appreciation of art, particularly Matisse, and his love of sailing. Chris was remarkable. His life ended far too early, and he will be missed.
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2015, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, USA
Harvard Episcopal Chaplaincy Retreat
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