Christopher James "Herman" Warran

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Christopher James "Herman" Warran. He departed this world on June 30, 2025, in Willimantic, Connecticut. Born on June 11, 1984, in Newburgh, New York, Chris's life journey was marked by an unwavering dedication to others, a civically focused spirit, a passion for sports, a love of good food, and a heart full of kindness.
Chris was a beloved figure in the community, recognized not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal warmth and generosity. He was a mentor and a friend to many, an advocate for youth, and a champion of character development through athletic participation. Chris's love for wrestling was evident in his commitment to coaching and mentoring young athletes. His role as a volunteer coach with Silverback Wrestling Club was a testament to his selflessness and his belief in the transformative power of sport.
As a coach at H.H. Ellis Technical High School and later at the University of Connecticut, Chris's exceptional skills earned him the titles of Assistant Coach of the Year in Connecticut and College Club Coach of the Year, respectively. These accolades were not just a measure of his coaching prowess but also a reflection of the deep respect and admiration he garnered from his peers and athletes. Chris was instrumental in cultivating and developing student athletes who achieved state titles, national All-American honors, and collegiate national awards. Through his advocacy and commitment, he ensured that his student athletes were placed in the best possible situation to pursue their goals.
Beyond the wrestling mat, Chris was an excellent chess player, always ready for a good-natured challenge. His strategic mind and competitive spirit were as much a part of his coaching as they were of his approach to life. He ranked in the 99.6th percentile, showing both his skill set and love of the game. He believed in the power of sports to shape character, instill discipline, and foster teamwork. Chris's legacy is not only in the accolades he received but in the values he instilled in the countless lives he touched.
In addition to his impact on the wrestling world, Chris made tremendous contributions to his community through his work as a registered dietitian for nearly two decades. After earning his degree in dietetics from UConn, he began his career as a clinical dietitian at Backus Hospital. Chris spent the majority of his career caring directly for patients on the inpatient oncology unit, utilizing his unique blend of toughness and empathy before shifting his focus to the critical care unit, where his problem-solving and mathematically minded brain served him and his patients well. In his most recent role as Clinical Nutrition Manager in the East Region of Hartford HealthCare, Chris led the teams of dietitians at both Backus and Windham Hospitals, championing their professional growth and advancing the visibility and impact of clinical nutrition.
Earlier this year, he passionately co-curated and co-hosted the inaugural Sports Nutrition Conference in Hartford, a new initiative born out of his love for athletics and nutrition, as well as his desire to share it with others in support of their professional growth. He saw a need and didn't hesitate to step up – classic Chris, always ready to take initiative and make things happen. He took pride in giving back -- both personally and in his roles throughout his career, spanning across patient care and leadership. His passion and dedication were evident through all that he did, earning the respect and admiration of everyone who worked alongside him. His expertise, unwavering commitment to nutrition, and desire to help others touched the lives of countless colleagues, patients, athletes, and families.
Chris was predeceased by his father, Steven Lee Warran of Rensselaer, Indiana. Chris is survived by his loving mother, Dori Colandrea-Warran, his brother, Nicholas Warran, and nephew, Conrad, who, along with his extended family, cherish the memories of his exceptional life. His loss leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be remembered as a brother to the community, a beacon of hope, and an embodiment of selfless service.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Please keep Chris's family in your thoughts as they navigate through this difficult time. A Memorial/Celebration of Life will take place at Willimantic County Club,184 Club Road, North Windham, Connecticut, on July 20th, at 2:00 PM. Buffet and libations will follow.
There will also be a Memorial Service, a gathering of family and lifelong friends held in Newburgh on July 26th for all those who wish to pay their respects and honor Chris. The event will take place at Hudson Valley Christian Church, located at 100 Grand Street, Newburgh, New York, starting at 2:00 p.m. A buffet will follow.
Chris's mother, Dori, and his brother, Nicholas, extend their heartfelt thanks to the entire wrestling and hospital communities for the outpouring of love and support. They welcome any stories and memories you wish to share, which can be sent to Dori Warran at 1 Howard Drive, Newburgh, NY.
As we bid farewell to Chris, we hold on to the lessons he taught us, the friendships he gave us, and the indelible mark he left on our lives.
Herman is a legend, and legends never die.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation
in honor of Coach Chris to: https://www.venmo.com/u/SilverbacksWC
The Silverback Wrestling Club, LLC
46 Bain Street,
Willimantic, CT 06226