Christopher J. Hendricks, 72, beloved father, brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor, passed away on August 15, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his family.
Chris was born to Bill and Rita Hendricks on May 13, 1951 and grew up in New Bedford, MA with his sister, Jane. He lived in New Bedford his entire life.
Chris was a graduate of Holy Family High School, class of 1969. During his senior year, he was student-manager of the varsity basketball team, which would go on to win the 1969 Tech Tournament Championship at the Boston Garden - one of Chris' most cherished memories.
After graduating from Bentley University in 1973, Chris worked as an accountant for Debross, Hathaway, and Marvel for over 45 years.
He leaves behind his four children: Amanda DiMatteo and husband Frank of New Bedford, Katherine Hill and husband Rob of Merrimack NH, William of New Bedford, and Christopher of New Bedford; as well as four grandchildren: Jack, Natalie, William, and Thomas. Chris loved spending time with his family all of whom found comfort and love in his knack for family traditions, especially around the holidays.
Chris found joy in life's simplest pleasures, and he saw the best in everyone he met. He loved his hometown of New Bedford and never failed to attend the Feast, the NB Half Marathon, or the nearby Four-Ball tournament. Chris was happiest when listening to Pearly Baker with his family and he was known to enjoy a more-than-occasional night out in downtown New Bedford.
He was a lifelong Boston sports fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of the Red Sox and sports history. As a young man, Chris had many chance run-ins with big name sports stars, several of which involved an uncooperative Bill Russell, a helpful Red Auerbach, and a car ride with John Havlicek.
Chris was a smart, kind, and affable man who loved to laugh - many times at his own expense. He was easy to love and never had an unkind word to say about anybody. His warm spirit and companionship will be forever missed by his family and many friends.
Chris is survived by his sister Jane Wurm and husband Bill of New Bedford, and former wife, Melissa Hendricks of New Bedford; as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke's ICU for their care and compassion.
His wake will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 4-8 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, MA 02740. His Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 8, 2023 at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church, 110 Summer St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made via check to the MWE Cote Memorial Fund, c/o Bay Coast Bank, 714 Dartmouth St., South Dartmouth, MA 02748.