Christopher Ringwald Obituary

Ringwald, Christopher D. ALBANY Christopher D. Ringwald, Albany scholar, author, and journalist, whose humane spirit stretched from down the street to across the globe, died suddenly at age 55 on Monday, September 26, 2011. Often seen in his neighbor-hood wearing a sports coat and a fedora, Chris displayed an old-fashioned propriety and friendliness. When biking or driving Albany streets, he frequently pulled over to greet a friend or neighbor with a handshake. He always preferred intellectual conversation to chit-chat. Chris's life revolved around his family and his Catholic faith. He cherished his wife, Amy Biancolli Ringwald, and their three children: Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell. Chris filled his days deliberately, packing in work, exercise, reading, lunches with friends, dinner with family, school and sports events and civic engagements. But on Sundays, he rested. Chris had a deep intellectual understanding of Catholicism, and lived his faith. He was a devoted parishioner at St. George's Black Catholic Apostolate, St. Teresa of Avila, and then St. Vincent de Paul. Through the years, he taught carpentry in Peru, visited Albany homeless shelters, dropped in on friends in nursing homes, counseled alcoholics, delivered Christmas gifts and Thanksgiving food to needy families, and supported Emmaus House, an Albany Catholic Worker residence. Chris was born in the Bronx and was educated at Georgetown University, the Columbia School of Journalism and St. Bernard's Institute. He worked as a carpenter, building contractor and a human rights lobbyist. As a journalist, he concerned himself with faith and justice. He was the author of three books: "A Day Apart," about the importance of the Sabbath in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths; "The Soul of Recovery," which explored the role of spirituality in addiction recovery (both published by Oxford University Press); and "Faith in Words," a series of interviews with writers about their spirituality. He was a Kaiser Foundation Media Fellow in 1997 and, in 2002, was named the 37th Albany Author of the Year. Chris' work appeared in Newsday, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Commonweal and National Catholic Reporter. Compelled by a need to bear witness, he reported from Iraq in 1999 and, in 2005, on an insurrection in Uganda. Chris was a reporter at the Albany Times Union between 1989 and 1998. Inspired by a series of Chris' articles, the state passed a law in 1995 ordering substance abuse programs to be evaluated. He founded and directed the Faith and Society Project at The Sage Colleges, and was editor of "The Evangelist," a weekly Catholic newspaper, from 2008 to 2011. He most recently had worked at the (Schenectady) Daily Gazette. Chris was born in the Bronx to Margaret Furey and Eugene Ringwald. In addition to his wife and children, Chris is survived by his beloved siblings, Carl (Karin); Tom (Paula); Anne (Bob); Marie (Michael); three nephews, Christopher, Michael and Steven; and many close friends and extended family. Funeral services Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 9:45 a.m. from the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, now located at 208 North Allen St., Albany, thence to St. Vincent De Paul Church, Albany, at 10:30 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Wednesday, September 28, 2011 4 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Contributions in his name may be made to the Albany Catholic Worker (Emmaus House), 45 Trinity Place, Albany, NY 12202.

Published by Albany Times Union on Sep. 28, 2011.
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Every year I come back to read these comments, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the way my dad was admired, loved and respected. I feel the deepest pain knowing I never got to know him more-- that my siblings and I never got to feel the joy of being an adult with him. Sometimes I have to remind myself that he is half of me, even if the distance between who I am now and who I was when he was still with us grows larger each year. But I feel lucky that he touched so many people, and continues to remain in countless memories. Learning more about him through family and friends is both an antidote to my grief and a catalyst of it. I miss him so deeply that sometimes my whole body aches.

Jeanne

September 25, 2023

Thinking of you and your family.

Irene C

Friend

September 22, 2023

God bless Christopher Ringwald and his family.

Leo Wong

Friend

September 22, 2023

You were part of my fun but vertiginous year at Columbia J-school. You are missed, dear friend. I feel sometimes there is a hole in this world without you around.
I gave your book on sobriety to a patient- I think it really helped him.

Irene C

Friend

September 25, 2022

Your talk this evening, Amy, about this profound loss, changed me.

How you captured grief, sorrow, love and life went to the heart of what it means to be human and connected to another.

Thank you, and I´m sorry for the event that inspired this speech.

Susan Hunter

Other

July 20, 2022

September 26, 2021
10 years later your family is amazing.
You are thought of often.
Peace

MacDonald's

September 26, 2021

I´m so sorry life became hard for Chris, who had so much left to give.
I´m forever grateful for his kindness and his writing.

Irene C

Friend

September 24, 2021

Glad that Christopher Ringwald is remembered. Prayers.

Leo Wong

Other

September 23, 2021

Chris, was a great friend and a good guy. We met in Doug Glover's class at the NYS Writer's Institute. I always enjoyed seeing him. An excellent writer, and I have enjoy all the books that he has written.

Joseph Krausman

September 22, 2021

I miss Chris: his wisdom, his kindness, his wonderful wit. I think of him often and pray to him often.

Tom O'Toole

September 22, 2021

September 26, 2020

I will be forever grateful for counting Chris among my friends. We met at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism on our first day. I was pleased to find we would be part of the same class cohort and happier still as we became a core group with Irene, Mary Beth, Melissa, David O., David D. and Donnette. Chris did me the great honor of interviewing me for one of his books, Faith in Works. He truly lived his faith and always let those around him know he loved them. Peace to all who are remembering you today, Chris.

Jan Larson

Friend

September 22, 2020

I have given your book on recovery to several of my patients and it was much appreciated.
I miss the talks & fun of our grad school days.
I think of you often.
Your memory is a blessing.

Irene Coletsos

Classmate

September 22, 2020

I think of Chris and pray to him often. Hope Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne, and Mitchell are doing well today.
Love,
Tom O'Toole

Tom O'Toole

Friend

September 22, 2020

I just was rereading the wonderful book by Chris, A DAY A APART.
We met in Doug Glover's class. I always enjoyed meeting Chris and chatting with him. In an inscription and his book, he wrote "Thanks for your friendship. I also loved him and thank him for his friendship. I can't believe that it is so long since he passed on. May his Memory be a blessing. Rest ibn Peace.

Joseph Krausman

Friend

September 22, 2020

Leo Wong

September 22, 2020

Prayers to Amy and kids. Chris was a wonderful man, friend, and mentor.
Love, Tom O'Toole

September 28, 2019

Thinking of all of you

September 26, 2019

Remembering Chris and the wonderful, gentle human being he was. I wish his family and friends peace and love.

September 27, 2018

Thinking of all of you

September 26, 2018

Remembering Chris and thinking of Amy and the kids today.

September 28, 2017

Dear Ringwald Family,

Devastated to have learned last night of Chris' death. He was a wonderful person -- kind, funny, smart beyond words, ambitious in all the best ways. We were close in the mid-80s and I had the great pleasure of meeting his parents and siblings.

I meet him just at the point that he was contemplating leaving Washington for a return to NYC and Columbia. He was so excited and happy to be going back to school to pursue work what he loved -- reading, writing, talking, thinking in new and unexpected ways, and listening. He was a terrific listener and a gifted teacher.

Heartbroken. His children have so much to be proud of in their father and my love goes out to his wife.

He had the most wonderful laugh. A beautiful, beautiful spirit.

Maria Ballantyne Labandeira

Maria Ballantyne

October 13, 2013

Hey Amy, Maddy, Jeanne and Mitchell,

In light of recent events we are thinking of you all. We find it interesting that the last 2 posts to the guestbook were on our daughter's 19th b'day and the day before Madeliene's. We are wondering what kind of conversations Chris and Hanlon are having? Two very intellectual people. One spiritual, one not. We hold you all dear in our hearts. My daughter always worried that Maddy would not be the funny, great person she was after her father's death. She would of said, "you all have bloomed in the darkest decay." She may even hopefully shared that she was proud of Mad this summer. She shared with me how proud she was of Mrs. Ringwald. We were always thinking of you. We know you are always thinking of us now. We hold you all dear on this painful anniversary. It is good that there is always a better place in the universe for everyone.

Much love,
Rod, Katy and Quinn MacDonald

Hanlon MacDonald's Family

September 25, 2013

Just today (10/20) I saw the passing of Chris in an article in the Daily Worker. My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and the family.He will be remembered in the Franciscan Mass League at the Franciscan Chapel at Wolf Road Shoppers Park. If Chris or you never visited you no doubt would have loved its simplicity.
Chris did a puff piece on our woman and childrens' shelter in Bethlehem and other residences which contributed greatly to their long term success and the two homes we still have locally, and the fifteen hundred nationwide. We are grateful for Chris' life, and no doubt he will be doing a piece on the canonization of our new saint tomorrow Kateri T. for the Celestial Times. God bless all of you.

Bob Attridge

October 20, 2012

I recently learned of Christopher's passing. We graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School in 1974.
He was in all of my high school German classes. Although 38 years have passed, I still remember him. I am very shocked and saddened.

Melitta Gebhardt

October 19, 2012

Dear Amy and Family,

Please accept my most sincere condolences. I worked with Chris in Peru and Washington DC. He was a champion of truth and justice and an living example of Christian faith writ large. May God bless you all.

William Melvin

December 17, 2011

Dear Amy and Family,

My sister Ann Marie and I knew Chris from growing up in Fordham,Bronx N.Y.
When we heard is was already a month that had gone by.I mostly hung around with Tommy for a short while then moved on as I was a couple of years older. Chris was always running about and a very respectful young man. Our condolences and prayers are to you and family....Joe & Helen Pisano and Ann Marie Pisano-Perullo. Peace and God Bless.

Joe Pisano

November 13, 2011

Dear Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell,

Let me echo John's message here that there are many of us whom you have never met but who mourn with you, pray for you, and send healing grace your way. Scattered across the country are countless numbers whose lives are richer, deeper, more meaningful for having known Chris. We were inspired by him and challenged to do better, to serve as he did. His extraordinary soul and steadfast love for his fellows shone brightly, always. We could count on that. We could also count on a little notebook and pen to be whipped out of a pocket without notice and used to write down thoughts, revelations or contemplative inspiration as it occurred; no doubt material for future books or articles. I first met Chris in the mid-1980s in DC at St. Augustine's and we talked for hours that day. I knew immediately that he was blessed, gifted on every level and meant to change the world. He did precisely that. Some years ago we touched base again briefly when I wrote to congratulate him on his book and then again your book, having stumbled across a review. I was working in the Middle East and his interest was pivoted at that time toward that mysterious and magical, albeit perilous, region. It was evident that his intellect and commitment to social justice knew no geographic bounds. His spiritual footprint was touching new sand and soil. It was also clear that he deeply loved and was so grateful for his family. I have no doubt that his tender spirit is wrapped tightly around you, having just “stepped aside” for now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Michelle Ward-Brent

November 3, 2011

I have just stumbled across this devastating news. I knew Chris when we were in high school. To his family: anything I say will be inadequate, but perhaps it may be of some help to know that hundreds of people you have never met, and will never know, have had their lives made richer by knowing Chris. Our thoughts are with you.

John Bredehoft

November 1, 2011

Dear Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell,
We are the parents of Matthew Curran, a Georgetown classmate of Chris, who died of AIDS in 1990. We learned of Chris's death from a mutual friend, Dan Turbitt. We want you to know that, even after 21 years, we remember that Chris took the trouble to drive here from Albany to visit Matt, who was living with us that spring and summer and fighting for his life. Chris gave Matt the gift of friendship and love, which was a great blessing for Matt and us. We are deeply saddened by Chris's untimely passing; we honor his character, his splendid life, his devotion to family and friends. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and condolences.

Jim and Polly Curran

October 20, 2011

Chris' light still shines brightly and always will. May you be consoled knowing that he is eternally present in Love, in your hearts and God's embrace ... and where Chris is, so are you, his loving and devoted family.

MaryGrace Dansereau

October 19, 2011

Chris was my freshman year R.A. on 6th Darnall at Georgetown. The news of his passing is just now starting to circulate among his former charges. I probably only saw him once in the last 30 years, but my friends and I have very fond memories of Chris. Many of us from that freshman dorm have remained close through the years, and Chris shares some responsibility for that, as one of those folks who passed through your life briefly yet left a profound impact. May his memory be eternal.

Elia Alexiades

October 12, 2011

Dear Amy, dear Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell: Chris & I were classmates at Columbia Journalism School. Many of us from the J-School are remembering him, and are thinking of you all. We can't take away the pain -- but maybe we can find a way to stand with you. Irene Coletsos MD (Boston, MA)

October 6, 2011

Dear Amy, Madeline, Jeanne, and Mitchell. Our words might never be a comfort for your loss, but take it as an expression of our sorrow. Chris and family were so gracious in truly being the first to welcome us to the neighborhood. We did not spend much time together but the few occasions we had were an expression of friendship that we always will remember. Juan and Jessie

Juan Gonzalez

October 5, 2011

Dear Amy: I just heard the sad news. Chris and I were "Mencherites" at Columbia and I still consider him a friend. Just yesterday I was telling my journalism students a "Chris" story. His life taught us all so much about living our faith. May God hold you and your family close.

Jan Larson

October 5, 2011

I am so sadden to hear this news, Chris was a good and kind soul who's presence was felt all around him.

Chris Holmes

October 4, 2011

Dear Amy and family,

I'm profoundly sorry for your loss. Just a few minutes ago I was recommending A Day Apart to a friend and I googled Chris' name only to find this deeply sad news. I know there is nothing to say that eases such grief, but please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jo Page

October 3, 2011

I met Chris only briefly and within the last year. He was a kind thoughtful man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Douglas Morrissey

October 3, 2011

Dear Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne, and Mitchell,

Please accept my and Suzanne's sincere condolences on Chris's passing; Tamar just called me last night to tell me the terrible news. Please call on us at any time for anything you need; you are like family to us and are here to help if we can.

Tony and Suzanne, Max and Elizabeth

October 3, 2011

I pray that the family of Chris might continue to feel the love of the Lord, to experience fleeting moments of peace, during this very dark time.

Tierney Barron

October 2, 2011

Dear Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell,
Please accept my deep condolences on your loss. Your whole family has always had a special place in my heart from my years as your neighborhood children's librarian.
Jendy Murphy

October 2, 2011

Dear Amy and family -
We have been away and just now heard the news from Clio - I can't even wrap my head around this. I am so sorry - Chris was always so polite and sweet, and when my father died was very kind and understanding. We am very sorry to have missed the services - as soon as we are back in town I will come to see you.
Thinking of you and the kids with a heavy heart...

Nina, Clio, & Richard

October 1, 2011

Amy and Family: Our hearts go out to you at this time. Chris was a special person, and we will always remember him with great warmth, respect, and love. Please know we are thinking of you.
Alan & Sheryl Abbey

October 1, 2011

To the Ringwald Family,
Sincere condolences from our family to yours.

A memory we have of Chris is seeing him one summer evening in front of Stewart's with his daughter--each holding an ice cream cone. It made a beautiful--and lasting--image.

The Gomes Family, Albany, NY

September 30, 2011

I am deeply sorry about this loss. He was a fine gentleman. May God grant him eternal rest.

Robert Massarelli

September 30, 2011

Dear Family of Chris Ringwald, I share words which I hope bring comfort written by another great story teller as well as a theologian, John Shea:
"Each person is a mission of Love
sent to stir Love in others.
When this happens -
God is glorified,
the work is accomplished,
and life is complete."
You are in my prayers.

Maryanne V. Tuite

September 30, 2011

Dear Amy and Family,
I met Chris about twenty years ago when we were in Doug Glover's writing class,and I was impressed with him as a writer, and as a kind person. He was very supportive of my own literary efforts. It was a pleasure to run into through the years, and I feel fortunate to have known him. I have all his books, and shall treasure them (Amy's books too!) My sincere condolence for your loss. If there is anything I can do, don't hesitate to let me know. Joe Krausman

Joe Krausman

September 30, 2011

The Israeli poet Shifra Alon wrote:

Not every day do we encounter God,
not every time is opportune for prayer,
not every hour one of grace.
We fail and fail again till journey's end.
We turn back only to lose our way once more,
and grope in search of long forgotten paths.
But God, holding a candle, looks for all who wander,
all who search.

The Ringwald Family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Leo S. Levy

September 30, 2011

Dear Amy and family-
My heart goes out to you all. In the few years I sat next to him at the TU, Chris gave me two gifts. One was showing me how to write with perspective and a light touch; to let the reader laugh. He wrote a story in 1996 about an animal rescue show at Guilderland Town Hall; it was done with much charm and humor (without being snarky) and still made me chuckle today, 15 years later, when I pulled it up for a re-read. The second gift Chris gave me was kindness. He was always so steady and kind, and showed so much respect to those around him. My deepest condolences for your loss.

Lara Jakes

September 30, 2011

I only met Chris a few times, but he was the sort of person who made a quick and lasting impression as a deeply good person. I'm sad to know I will never get a chance to know him better, and my heart goes out to you that he departed so soon. May your community circle round and hold you up through the sorrow.

Miriam Axel-Lute

September 29, 2011

Dear Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell,
The love, courage and grace all of you have shown in recent days is a wonderful testament to Chris, a wonderful man.

Tom O'Toole

September 29, 2011

Dear Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell,

Seeing your strength, grace and beauty at the calling hours and at the funeral gave me great hope. You are an extraordinary family shaped by a most remarkable man.

It was my honor to have known Chris as a friend, a newspaper colleague, a fine writer and an authentic person who put his faith into action.

You have suffered a great loss, but the goodness of Chris endures in each of you and his spirit will help you carry this heavy sorrow.

Long may his light shine, reflected in his family, his friends, his neighbors, his city.

Paul Grondahl

September 29, 2011

Chris was some one I admired from afar and through his wonderful reputation for here in the Capital District. Our paths crossed only very occasionally and on the periphery through Emaus house and people with disabilities.

He covered the peace fair in Saratoga Springs on Sunday the 25th and we appreciated his kind words for our efforts in his article.

Know that my prayers are with you as a family and with Chris.

Pace e Bene.

Linda LeTendre

September 29, 2011

Chris was the very first person I met upon arriving at Georgetown. Appearing out of nowhere, he grabbed one of my suitcases and helped me move in. We became friends for life. To me, he provided the greatest living example of the Jesuit teaching of Cura Personalis. The outpouring on this message board is moving beyond words. I pray that Amy and the kids are sustained by his legacy of bringing all of us closer to Christ by his many works. I know that those who he touched have become better in countless ways from having known him. I and my spouse, Mary will miss you so very much, my friend.

Peter Foley

September 29, 2011

Chris really was part of the fabric of our community. A well respected and kind man. Chris made Albany feel like Mr. Rogers Neighborhood with his warm smile that always put you at ease. He was a constant family man around town. We would run into him at church with the family, sitting through a soccer practice , at the field of National Little League, or setting up camp for the long haul at an Arrows swim meet. He will be missed by his fellow Albany families not only for his warm presence in our neighborhood, but also for the well respected man he was. Our sad hearts are eased only by knowing, without reservation, that he will now be peacefully guiding and loving his precious family from heaven.

Kim and Ed MARKS

September 29, 2011

We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy. One of the good guys is gone..

Pat and Nancy Cullings

September 29, 2011

My deepest condolences. I feel really lucky to have grown up in a community that included Chris. Spirit like his is what makes Albany special.

Madeleine Wilcox

September 29, 2011

Chris had an amazing talent for looking at things with a non-judgemental, humane and compassionate eye, a talent that seems to be less and less prevalent. I will always remember our conversations about the family he loved, the faith he held high and the community he wanted to help. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and Chris, who will be remembered always.

Suzannah Kratz

September 29, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of Chris. He was an usually gifted witness to living the gospel whenever and for whomever he could. I didn't know him well but I do love you all as family at St.Vincent de Paul parish.
God grant you peace. Kim and Samuel Panaro (Albany, NY)

Kim Panaro

September 29, 2011

To the entire Ringwald Family –

It was my great honor, privilege – and joy – to be a regular contributor of articles to The Evangelist during the time when Christopher D. Ringwald served as its managing editor.
Although I was not a staff member, Chris always treated me with such dignity and respect that I truly felt a part of the editorial team. Because I needed to be present when my youngest arrived home from school in Ballston Spa, Chris would call my home-office and put me on “speaker phone” in order that that my ideas and opinions might literally be heard by others in his office at 40 North Main Street in Albany.
His kindness and consideration touched me deeply as did the fact that he walked in humility despite his status at the helm of the distinguished diocesan periodical and the stellar literary career that had preceded it.
When Chris asked how my family was doing, I sensed that he genuinely cared, just as it was clear that he genuinely cared about the humanitarian and social justice issues he championed in his editorials. His insightful and inspiring words were – and remain – and inspiration.
That Chris used his incredible gifts and talents to glorify God is a legacy of which you can all be proud. It is a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
With deepest sympathy,

Ann Hauprich

Ann Hauprich

September 29, 2011

My most vivid image of Chris is when he would bring Madeleine to Beth Emeth Nursery School and he would be wearing his spandex exercise pants and have Jeannie in her running stroller for the return trip home. Not quite sure how he did it but I was so impressed at a father juggling the care of two small children. How he loved his family.

Mary Caulfield

September 29, 2011

Chris was a class act - an absolutely beautiful man. Though our acquaintance was confined to chatting while we waited to pick up our kids, volunteering at the school, or running into each other around the neighborhood, Chris always made me feel that he was genuinely delighted to see me.

His conversations were always a cut above, like those with Amy. I often walked away feeling almost honored that we'd spoken, that he'd stopped to share his thoughtful views on faith or on local news.

Amy, my prayers are with you and your children, that God may grant you peace, understanding and healing. I am so very sorry for the loss of such a good man.

Laura (Sharp) Fallon

Laura Fallon

September 28, 2011

Amy, Madeline, Jeanne, and Mitchell,
I am so sorry that you have lost Chris. I will always remember him riding around the neighborhood on his bike and stopping to say "hello." He was always happy to get involved in neighborhood activities and contributed greatly (as do you all) to our community spirit. He was a caring intellectual, inquisitive and generous. And he built a great treehouse. His love for you and his pride in your successes was always evident. I wish you strength, patience, and compassion as you go on.

Susan VanDeventer

September 28, 2011

Such a terrible and shocking loss. Chris was a prince of a person - always welcoming and wonderfully curious. He helped me a great deal in developing my writing skills during the few years I wrote for the Evangelist. I appreciated his patience and his fairness. May God rest his dear soul, and grant consolation to his family.
In prayer, Elizabeth Lynch

Elizabeth Lynch

September 28, 2011

Such a kind and generous man. Such a huge, huge loss. My deepest condolences.

Christine Witkowski

September 28, 2011

Working with and knowing Chris for many years was a great pleasure. He had extraordinary empathy, tireless enthusiasm and the gift of an insightful mind that he used to full advantage in changing the lives of so many individuals who were struggling and had lost hope. He set an example of the way we should view the world and our responsibilities in making it a better place for all to live and will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences go out to Chris' family and we wish you strength in the days to come.
Gary Shaheen

Gary Shaheen

September 28, 2011

Maddie, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and will never be forgotten for all the things he has accomplished and everything he was a part of.

Maeve Toomey

September 28, 2011

Chris's presence in the neighborhood and his always lively contributions to the newspaper will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family.

Alyssa Colton

September 28, 2011

We've both known Chris through a variety of pathways and always admired him. We lament his passing and wish that his family and loved ones find the strength to bear his loss.

Margaret and Marc (Lanoue & Violette)

September 28, 2011

Chris's sensitive spirit, integrity, and kindness will always be remembered. He was a vital member of our community.
Our deepest condolences to Amy, Madeline, Jeanne and Mitchell.
Alyssa Colton & Dan Heins

September 28, 2011

Chris's sensitive spirit, integrity, and kindness will always be remembered. He was a vital member of our community.
Our deepest condolences to Amy, Madeline, Jeanne and Mitchell.

Alyssa Colton

September 28, 2011

It was always a pleasure to run into Chris, whether on the street or at a party. He always had something interesting to say, and he exuded a positive energy that was as infectious as it was refreshing. My condolences to the Ringwald family.

Alan Wechsler

September 28, 2011

Chris gave me a chance to write and was so encouraging to me to keep writing. I will never forget that; I even have a short note urging me to keep writing; from the time I got it, I put it under my clear deskpad at work.

May he be at rest in peace, deeply enveloped in God's embrace. My prayers also go out to Amy and his children, to all - and clearly that is many - who loved him.

September 28, 2011

I knew this wonderful man through his words, and the time he asked me to write a little article for the Evangelist. I am sad for his family and know that the choir of the angels will sing him home.

Sally Scuderi

September 28, 2011

My heart felt prayer for the the family. Chris sounds like a heck of a guy.

September 28, 2011

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I am blessed to have been Chris' colleague and friend. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. His faith and work ethic was inspiring.
You are in my prayers.

Angela Cave

September 28, 2011

My Heart Felt Condolences to The Ringwald Family.

R. D. Spence

September 28, 2011

We are so sorry to hear about Chris. We will pray for you all in this difficult time.

Lisa Fears-Farnham

September 28, 2011

Amy, Madeline, Jeanne and Mitchell -

I am so sorry for your loss.
I thought about you all yesterday and was taken back to all the happy times at piano lessons and family dinners. Maybe a little less happy were Chris' ongoing struggles with Beethoven and Oliver climbing on the piano during his lessons :-)
But what I remember most clearly is Chris' love for all of you and his pride in you.
Always remember that. Love is the thing that endures.

Veronica Thomas

September 28, 2011

I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea. The setting sun tinted its white sails with a golden light.

And as it disappeared from view, a voice at my side whispered, "He is gone."

But the sea was a narrow one, and on the furthest shore, a little band of friends had gathered to watch in happy expectation.

Suddenly, they caught sight of the tiny sail.

And at the very moment when my companion had whispered "He is gone" a glad shout went up in joyous welcome with the words "yes, here he comes!"

To the family and friends of Chris, may you find comfort knowing that those with him now recognize the gift they have.

Rest in peace, dear friend.

Ellen Roesch

September 28, 2011

My sincere condolences. I had the opportunity to work with Chris on several occasions, and I was always impressed by his passion for what he did and his compassion for others.

Alan Marzilli

September 28, 2011

I feel blessed to have known such a special person. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Karen Chhabra, Clifton Park, New York

September 28, 2011

To the Ringwald Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of Chris. Chris and I were on the Forensics and Debating Team of Cardinal Spellman High School in the early 70's. We all shared many wonderful times traveling as a team so we all got to know each other well. Our team was largely successful at the national level because we worked together closely public speakers and debaters and learned from each other. His intellect and capacity to integrate facts was legend. However, what struck me most about Chris in high school was his big heart. We have not been in touch since high school but I followed his career from afar and was so impressed. This is a great loss that saddens us all.

Michele Evans

September 28, 2011

Sending thoughts and prayers that you will be embraced in God's loving comfort and peace during this terribly sad time. I feel blessed to have had the chance to know Chris, and to have worked with him years ago. He was a very special man who made a real difference.

Michele Morgan Bolton

September 28, 2011

Amy & family:

Jim & I were very saddened to hear of your loss. Words seem so inferior to express how we feel for you and your family at this time.

Remember the blessings that Chris gave to your hearts by his acts of kindness to others.

Words seem to mean so little when your heart feels so much pain. Our hope is that your hearts will heal with time. May the goodness of others that you can lean upon during such a difficult time bring you the comfort that you and your family need.

James & Jil Denn

September 28, 2011

Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell- We are so very sorry for your loss. We are holding each of you in our hearts. Much love- The McEwens

Andrea McEwen

September 28, 2011

My deepest condolescences to the Ringwald family, and everyone who knew and loved Chris. He made the world a better place. May the Father, who understands all, welcome him home in eternal grace. Jim Murphy, DVM (Cardinal Spellman High School, Class of 1974)

Jim Murphy

September 28, 2011

I worked with Chris for several years at the Times Union and admired his intellect, writing style, and nose for news. Also, his sense of humor, passion for journalism, and social conscience. After leaving the TU, Chris occasionally wrote for a small newsmagazine I edit in the Adirondacks. I just re-read the last piece he submitted, in 2008, arguing against wilderness purists who feel it's an affront against nature to carry a cellphone into the woods for use in an emergency. It was classic Chris: erudite (quoting Emerson), well reasoned, and humane. As always, he put human life first.

Phil Brown

September 28, 2011

Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell, My heart goes out to you. I have such fond memories of Amy and Chris, and the children playing. This is heartbreaking news. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Thor Wickstrom

September 28, 2011

Tom and family:

It is with a heavy heart that I send my wishes for your daily comfort as you mourn the loss of your brother. May his memory be eternal.

Gail Matthews and family

September 28, 2011

Dear Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell, you are in our loving thoughts. We will always remember Chris as the loving, witty, hardworking and decent man that he was. It was always heartwarming to run into him in the neighborhood.
Sylvie and Sam Wickstrom

September 28, 2011

Dear Amy and children,
We remember you and Chris...and the girls who were little then...with great fondness for your outreach to us and to Jeff. I would feel huge shock and loss just knowing your goodness and caring, but my own father died in a similar way and so I know more so how this loss and sorrow will affect you all. I hope to meet Mitchell some day. We want to express our deepest sympathy to your family. I know from experience that the love and treasuring of a family cannot always override the angst and pure pain that many good, thoughtful and exceedingly decent people struggle with. I wish you peace.
Betty and Carl and Jeff Pieper

Betty Pieper

September 28, 2011

Our hearts go out to the Ringwald family on this awful loss. Chris wrote several outstanding features for our magazines U.S. Catholic and Salt of the Earth. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we wish you God's peace and the comfort of loving family and friends.

Meinrad Scherer-Emunds

September 28, 2011

To the Ringwald family:
My deepest condolences for your loss. For the past couple years my office was next to Chris' and although I didn't know him well, his passion for his work shined through. I enjoyed our conversations about our common interests and learned greatly from his experiences. I wish you all peace during this difficult time.
Marisa Beeble

Marisa Beeble

September 28, 2011

Amy,
My heart goes out to you and your family. My memories of the compassion that Chris exhibited in all his work and in his writing will be what I will always remember and aspire to. His love for his family was a power and a priority that he carried with him in all that he did. I will keep you all in my prayers.
It was a pleasure to know Chris and if there is any way I could be of help please let me know.

John Daubney

September 28, 2011

To the Ringwald Family, So sad to hear of this sudden loss. I remember Chris from the time we lived on Grove Ave. I always enjoyed the neighborhood and all of the characters in it. Chris was a great part of it.

Gina & Billy Foster

September 28, 2011

I worked with Chris at Advocates for Human Potential, where he taught me much about the important role of spirituality in recovery from addiction. He talked often about his family, and his love for them was so evident in every conversation. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Jenifer Urff

September 28, 2011

May God keep you all in his tender care. Love, the McKennas

September 28, 2011

Chris helped me through difficult times and provided much strength and inspiration. Please know that his life had a profound and positive impact on the lives of many others.

Geoff Flynn

September 28, 2011

Amy, Madeleine, Jeanne and Mitchell,

We've lost a pillar of our community. Can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo

Marcia Pennock

September 28, 2011

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