Michael Christopher Cherry (“Chris”), 46, died in his sleep of a heart attack on January 21 at his home in Gales Ferry. Chris was born on October 29, 1975, in Groton, the son of Michael J. and Mary Cherry.
In addition to his parents, Chris is survived by his son, Elijah Rix, and his sister Aimee (Joe) DiGennaro and their sons George and Oliver. He was beloved by many, including his aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Chris graduated from Ledyard High School, where his love of music, whether vocal or instrumental, thrived. His desire to help others led him to study Music Therapy at the University of Dayton.
Returning to CT, he combined his acquired music and electronic skills installing home entertainment systems in the New England area, while also active in the field of web and media design and promotion.
Over the last 15 years Chris worked in sound and lighting production for a variety of venues large and small as an independent contractor, and especially enjoyed his experiences with several touring companies.
While his passion was music, Chris loved and appreciated all the beauty in the world around him, spending as much time as possible hiking the trails in SE CT.
He was a member of St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Catholic community in Groton.
A Celebration of Chris’ life will be held at a later date.
Chris’ family thanks the staff of the Neurology ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital, and the staff of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare and Traurig House Residential Center, as well as his local therapists, who lovingly and patiently cared for him following a Traumatic Brain Injury sustained in June of 2019. Donations may be made in Chris’ memory to Gaylord at
www.gaylord.org/donate.
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