Christopher F. Huntington M.D.

1962 - 2013

Christopher F.

Huntington, MD

Christopher F. Huntington, MD, 50, of Providence, RI, and formerly of Wilmington, DE and Nantucket, MA, passed away on March 8, 2013, in Providence.

Born April 21, 1962, in Wilmington, DE, Chris attended The Tatnall School in Greenville, DE from pre-K through 11th grade. A 1979 National Merit Scholar, Chris departed high school early to enter the Freshman Honors at the UofD. Chris graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1985 and in 1990 from Jefferson Medical College. Residencies in general surgery at Lankenau and Bryn Mawr Hospitals, and in orthopedic surgery at Hospital of Stony Brook, NY were followed by a fellowship in pediatric and adult spinal surgery at Temple Univ. and the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. Board certified in orthopedic surgery, Chris founded, the Musculoskeletal Institute, Providence, RI and was on staff at local hospitals in Providence. Chris designed, developed and helped patent instruments and implants needed for minimally invasive spinal surgery, helping to heal thousands of patients during his career.

Chris' interests outside medicine were many, and he likewise pursued them with intellect and unflagging curiosity. Avid reader, boater, fisherman, skier, golfer, craftsman, cook, driver, traveler. Chris loved the outdoors, construction and mechanics--he could build, repair or improve anything. Somehow paired with his engineering prowess were his uncommon abilities in fine arts: Chris minored in Fine Arts at Penn, was an expert photographer, and played cello. Chris had a passion for architecture, furniture and American history and whaling in New Bedford and Nantucket, MA. Chris could captivate you with stories about everything...Usually accurate, but never in doubt…

Chris was predeceased by his parents, Jayne S. Huntington and Park W. Huntington, M.D. Chris is survived by his daughter Anne Barrat Huntington and son Samuel Danvers Huntington, named for his ancestor, the first president of the US Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

A scientist's mind, an artist's eye, an explorer's soul. And, as family and friends will attest, a servant's heart. Always welcoming and generous, Chris was deeply loved by friends as he shared everything he knew, or did, or earned. His experience of life was rich; his presence, enriching. Times with Chris were far more memorable than the same experience without him. Chris lived without fear and with full faith in self, and found humor often and heartily. When with him, we did too.

A memorial service will be held at 5 pm on Saturday, May 18, at St. David's Episcopal Church, 2320 Grubb Road, Wilmington, DE 19810. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Huntington Family Memorial Fund in care of St. David's Episcopal Church.