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Yale University

Chris Nelson Obituary

New London - Chris Nelson, 43, passed away last week.

Chris was passionate about his work as a shipwright, which took him all over the country restoring historic wooden boats using traditional methods.

He was a proponent of livable cities and was dedicated to building a vibrant New London. In addition to participating in several community groups, Chris served on the planning and zoning commission where he advocated for mixed-use, high-density neighborhoods. Chris helped launch and sustain an active third party, the New London Greens, which opposed the use of eminent domain and provided important perspectives on local issues.

Born and raised in New York City, Chris graduated from Yale University and trained as a boat builder at The Landing School in Maine. He moved to New London in 1999.

He loved sailing and basketball. He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, dry wit, progressive politics and his laughter.

Chris leaves behind many friends and colleagues who will miss him dearly. He is survived by his parents, Joan and Michael of New York City; sisters, Emily of New York City and Jennifer of Baltimore, Md.; brother-in-law, Carrick Mollenkamp; nephew, Quentin; and former wife and good friend, Laura Cordes of West Hartford.

The family will be creating a fund in Chris' memory to honor his life and work. For more information, please contact [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Dec. 27, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Chris Nelson

24 Entries

Matthew Rabin

December 21, 2023

Dude, a decade goes by too quickly. One change: I´m no longer boxing myself up and USPS-ing to MA. Miss you, buddy.

June 9, 2014

The Chris Nelson Green & Golden Memorial Street Mural Project, completed on June 8, 2014.

April 25, 2014

Cris was.a very nice person he stayed in our home seve ral times working on a boat we are restoring. We had spoken to him in the middle of Dec. As he was coming down to cork our boat and was bring a friend. We couldn't figure out what happened to him as we couldn't. reach him. Mystic. Seaport told us he passes away. We felt so bad to hear this alful news such a really nice person. We where very found of him and he is greatly missed. We would like to know what happen as no one seem to know. We would like to know . We wish to send regrets to his family,you had a wonderful son and brother. [email protected]

Lori Hopkins Cavanagh

April 7, 2014

I met Chris while running for Mayor of New London. His passion for neighborhood revitilization and vision for New London was very impressive. I did not know he passed away until today because of his birthday notification. My condolences.

Emil Stoessel

March 25, 2014

I only knew Chris a short time as my father-in-law hired him to work on his boat,doing some planking. I immediately knew he had a deep passion for wooded boats. As I watched him work I learned so much without even asking a question. He was an incredible individual,and I feel lucky to have met him. My sincerest condolences to his family.

March 12, 2014

February 17, 2014

That smile will reside in our hearts forever

Julie Layton

January 15, 2014

I knew Chris from our high school era and at Yale. As everyone has said, he was brilliant, sometimes hilarious; he was kind to me during a hard period and will be dearly missed.

Chris Lindstrom

January 7, 2014

I knew Chris when he worked at MASSPIRG. His convictions strengthened mine then as they do now. Thank you for your time with us Chris and rest in peace.

January 5, 2014

Chris was a pretty special person. I sat through many Peace and Justice meetings where he sat quietly for long periods of time. When he did speak he coalesced the ideas that had been brought up and then brought his unique perspective and insight into the discussion. It was always worth waiting for and helped us move forward on actions.
Loved Chris, I'll miss him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. sile herbert

Adam Raider

January 2, 2014

Gentle, offbeat, quirky, cerebral ... Chris was all of those things and more. He always brought a smile to my face and I'm glad to know that so many others felt the same way.

Matt Aliberti

December 31, 2013

I have so many stories to remember of Chris. He was my friend during a dark period in my life and he always kept things light with his philosophical,brilliant dry wit. We met at Barnes and Noble in the mid 90's. Chris was probably the most intelligent and accepting guy I knew. I remember the first boat that he built in a storage building in Hartford. It was amazing. Canoeing to his bachelor party on Seldon Island was fond memory. Seeing him in full regalia at the Seaport with my kids- my son thought he was Bob the Builder and was infatuated with him, and of course he played along. I will always remember the fun times, and most of all his infectious laughter. Rest in peace, my friend. You are missed.

Heidi Hill Drum

December 30, 2013

I am so sorry. I knew Chris from our PIRG days. He was very fun and so committed. Rest in peace Chris.

Matthew Rabin

December 30, 2013

The planet Earth just got a little dimmer and duller. Rest in Peace, my friend.

December 30, 2013

Laurie Gorham

December 29, 2013

The last time I saw Chris was at a community gathering where we were discussing a film. In typical Chris fashion, his comment was insightful and original, what no one but he would've thought of. It rattled around in my head for days. My deepest condolences to Chris's family and friends, the world has lost a bright and gentle soul.

Carrick Mollenkamp

December 28, 2013

Chris was my brother-in-law. I am grateful for the time my oldest son Gray and I got to spend with him sailing or tossing the football on Nantucket. I hope my one-year-old son Quentin, Chris' nephew, learns to sail as well as Chris.

December 28, 2013

Chris served as a volunteer captain and a master shipwright in Sea-Legs' Apprentice Program. He was my friend and advisor on many matters, nautical and otherwise.
He loved the sea and he loved New London. He was a fine man with a lot to offer.
His death is a grievous loss to me and to our community.
Richard Lathrop

Jocelyn Stewart

December 28, 2013

I am truly shocked and saddened to read of Chris' passing. I have many warm memories of working with Chris at Mystic Seaport. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, the world has lost a great person.

Kate Moran Meeks

December 28, 2013

Chris was a brilliant guy and a great advocate for a stronger, greener New London.

Laura Natusch

December 27, 2013

I admired Chris for his brilliance, his curiosity and his ethics; I loved him for his kindness and open laugh. I'm a better person and citizen for having known him. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends.

Evan Andriopoulos

December 27, 2013

RIP Chris… from your Green Street neighbor.

Mark Christiansen

December 27, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

December 27, 2013

I am so sorry for Chris' s family and friends. He was a quiet and thoughtful person who genuinely enjoyed the time he spent those around him. I knew him from sailing, politics, and The Dutch and he treated everyone he encountered with dignity and a reserved smile. He gave back to the City he loved selflessly.
With deepest sympathy to those he loved and who loved him,
Beth Sabilia

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