Christopher John Marrion

1964 - 2021

Dorchester, Mass. - Christopher John Marrion of Dorchester, Mass., passed away suddenly Dec. 30, 2021, while visiting family in Colorado with his husband Randy Weston, a continuation of Christmas celebrations with family in his hometown of Niantic. Chris was a cherished husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague. Chris was born in New London, Aug. 27, 1964, the youngest of five children of Robert and Grace (Stone) Marrion, who survive their adored son.

Christopher's lifelong passion for classical music began at a young age. He was more likely to listen to a Gilbert & Sullivan light opera than the Rolling Stones. His passion was cultivated in the East Lyme public school system, where he played trombone in the East Lyme High School marching band. Christopher made deep, lifelong friendships in the school auditorium and playing in the band on the football field. He added the bassoon to his repertoire and after graduation attended the New England Conservatory of Music. Chris followed his love for opera and graduated from the Conservatory with a degree in voice followed by a master's degree in voice from Boston University.

After his studies, Boston remained his home for almost forty years. While still a freelance musician singing in the U.S. and Europe, Chris began a nonprofit development career. He raised millions of dollars for numerous organizations, including the Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Children's Hospital and AIDS Action Committee. He made some of his closest and deepest friendships at AIDS Action. His loss leaves a hole in the hearts of many whom he met during the AIDS crisis, while they helped those in need in the Boston community.

Chris spent many years under Artistic Director Yo-Yo Ma as Deputy Director of the Silk Road Ensemble. His friends and family could not wait for the latest story of his international travels with Yo-Yo for concert tours, priceless cello in hand. Chris was Assistant Dean for Development and Alumni Relations at the Boston University College of Fine Arts before recently taking on a role he was excited to start, as the Vice President of Advancement for the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory, a historic theatre and presenter in Worcester, Mass.

Chris was an accomplished baker and an elegant ballroom dancer. He sewed and knit items that friends mistook for the work of designers. His incomparable wit and sense of humor will be missed acutely by so many. Whenever he spoke, it was as though he had scripted his thoughtful and eloquent remarks in advance. The most extraordinary of his gifts may have been his ability to make others feel part of his brilliance and not diminished by it. Chris always knew what was needed to make those around him feel better.

Chris and Randy had been a couple for ten years before they were married in a glorious wedding in their treasured Provincetown, Mass., in July 2010, surrounded by family, their huge group of wonderful friends who are so dedicated to one another, and far too many lobsters.

In addition to his parents and husband, Christopher is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Ruth, Catherine, Tom, Gwen and Faith Marrion and Bob Doffek; and nieces and nephews, Henry, Ray, Sarah, Andrew, Noah, Bob and Olivia to whom he was an amazing uncle, travel buddy, cheerleader, role model and mentor.

Celebrations of Christopher's life are being planned for New London, and Boston, Mass., hopefully in early March. Please email cjmmemorial2021@gmail.com and we will provide details, a Zoom link and updates if it becomes necessary to reschedule.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Chris in a donation to the Hanover Theater & Conservatory (thehanovertheater.org), AIDS Action (AAC.org), or a charity that is important to you.