Christopher Patrick Mooney

Christopher Patrick Mooney, 82, of Woodbury, CT, beloved father and extraordinary hot air balloon pilot, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Friday, May 30th. He was born on October 25th, 1942, to parents Edward and Winifred Mooney (Friel). Husband of the late Cynthia Jean Mooney (McCann), he is survived by his children, Christopher (and his wife Julia), Michael, and Mollykate; his three siblings, John Mooney (and his wife Pat), Teresa Murphy, and Mary Ellen Babilon (and her husband Henry); his four grandchildren, Christopher, Therese, Theodore, and Felicity; and his many nieces and nephews. Chris will be remembered first and foremost as a devoted and loving father. His children were his pride, and he worked tirelessly to provide them a life full of wonder. From growing up on a horse farm, to soaring through the skies in hot air balloons, Chris and Cindy provided a childhood that felt like a fairytale. As they grew older, his children found they could always count on him for sage wisdom, usually wrapped in a story, a joke, or a gentle reminder to look for the good in the world and the people around them. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Chris will remember him as full of passion for life, curiosity, and unconditional love. His booming, contagious laugh could turn heads in any room, and he never met a stranger he couldn't turn into a friend. He was a master of slightly misremembered idioms, songs, and stories-many of which he shared often (and, lovingly, more than once). Chris was a pioneer in hot air ballooning, and is known for his 35 years flying the RE/MAX balloon-helping build possibly the most successful commercial ballooning program in New England though his company MooneyTime, Inc. He loved to entertain and was an expert on "making a living" out of his passion, often saying he had never worked a day in his life. He inspired countless others to take up the sport, leading by example with both technical mastery and tireless energy to engage and educate. His contributions helped shape a vibrant community of balloonists that continues to thrive today. As he would often say, "Keep looking up." Chris's most cherished days were growing up on the grounds of Eden Hall (now Fluehr Park), his service aboard the USS Kitty Hawk from 1961-1963, his time soaring through the skies in his favorite hot air balloon, Autumn Dreamer, as well as his later years gathering his family on their farm at Four Green Fields. All friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, July 12th, at 72 Railtree Hill Road in Woodbury, CT, from 3 pm to 7 pm with a moment for speaking and reflection at 5 pm. In honor of Chris there will be a balloon tether or fly-away in the backyard beginning around 6 pm (weather permitting). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a charity Chris championed throughout his life.