Worcester: Christopher C. Haddad passed away on Thursday, January 10th. He was predeceased by his father Charles, mother Laurice and his infant brother Christopher (1950).
Christopher was born in Worcester in 1951 and lived there until his parents moved to Shrewsbury in 1956. He has resided in Worcester, a city he loved, for the last 39 years. He was a 1969 graduate of Shrewsbury High School and a 1973 graduate of Fitchburg State University, where he received his BA in history. He played varsity basketball for four years.
Chris was employed by the US Post Office Mail Processing Center for 42 years. He was a Delivery and Dispatch Expeditor for many of those years at the Central Mass Mail processing Center in Shrewsbury. He was extremely proud for having attained the number one seniority clerk position prior to his retirement. He was a member of the American Postal Workers Union.
Christopher was an avid reader and fisherman. He loved music; his heart was in the Blues. He was extremely knowledgeable of world affairs and sports. He was a committed New York Yankee fan. he could talk politics, sports, and music for hours. Chris was a connoisseur of fine foods. He took Cordon Bleu courses and was an artistic pastry chef. He had a great interest in foods of all cultures and would travel the distance to pay tribute to a highly publicized chef and dine in his restaurant. One might consider him to be a "Galloping Gourmet".
Chris lived his life to the fullest. He was a risk taker and adventurer. He traveled to 22 countries and 34 states. He skied throughout New England and Europe. In addition, he white water rafted, parachuted, bungee jumped, went on a safari in Kenya, flew a helicopter, and his most recent adventure was driving a race car. He had no fear confronting life and death. He always pushed himself to the limit even when the odds were against him. He challenged himself to overcome adversity.
Christopher was a medical pioneer by undergoing a bone marrow transplant while still in its trial stages in 1985. His success in beating life threatening Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma was considered a miracle by God and science as stated by his doctor Herbert Dean.
Chris was very close to his family and very proud of his Goddaughter Nicole Sardi, nephew Anthony and his wife Danielle. He was extremely fond and loving of his grandnephews Christian, Gabriel and Nicholas. He also took great pride in his Lebanese ancestry and culture.
Christopher is survived by his brother Roger, who was greatly inspired by his courage and fearlessness, sister Marie-Thérèse Vélez, brother Robert in Atlanta, his niece, nephew, grand nephews, his many cousins here and in Lebanon and Syria as well as many loyal friends.
Chris was a "gentle giant", kind, generous, thoughtful, and selfless. He strongly felt that everyone deserved a chance at life, as well as a future. Donations may be made in Christopher's memory to Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center 450 Brookline Ave. Boston, MA 02215.
Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA 01605 is handling the arrangements- Calling hours are open to the public on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 4-7 p.m.. The funeral and burial will be private, immediate family only. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click link.