Christopher Robin "Chris" Huston

UTICA – Christopher Robin "Chris" Huston, age 57, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Chris courageously battled brain cancer for 21 years. Born in Elmira, NY, on November 9, 1967, Christopher was the son of the late Howard and Margaret (Staviski) Huston and stepmother, Pamela. He was a graduate of Horseheads High School, Class of 1985, and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. Eventually he furthered his studies at SUNY Morrisville, earning an associate's degree in business administration. On August 2, 1997, Chris married the love of his life, Jouana Massoud. Throughout their 27 years together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, creating countless precious memories with their two children, Tyler and Julia. Chris was employed by CSX Transportation for over 30 years as a railroad maintainer and signalman. For a time, he was the proud owner/operator of Go Cycling, a retail bicycle shop in Norwich, NY. One of Chris' favorite pastimes was vacationing with his wife and children and exploring new places together. A proud and private man, he was both intelligent and humble, finding joy in projects that challenged him – especially those that involved building bicycles. His problem-solving skills and perseverance reflected the same dedication he poured into his role as a father. More than anything, Chris was proud of his children and grateful to live long enough to see them grow up. He supported his family with encouragement, never pressuring them but always inspiring them to do their best. He took immense pride in Tyler becoming a U.S. Marine, and Julia continuing her education at Brown University as she pursues her goal of becoming a doctor. Above all, Chris taught his children the importance of kindness, love, and laughter. Chris enjoyed dirt bikes, which led him to motocross and Enduro racing. However, his true passion was road cycling. He recently accomplished the feats of riding the entire Erie Canal Trail, as well as a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail from Pittsburgh, PA, to Cumberland, MD. Chris also felt fortunate to fulfill his lifelong dreams of attending the Tour of Britain and the Tour of Spain. A true adventurer, Chris enjoyed spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, fishing, and fly tying. He also was an avid stamp collector, delighted in the challenge of trivia, and enjoyed listening to music of many genres and eras. Chris had a sharp sense of humor but a quiet nature, only speaking when he had something meaningful or witty to share. A piece of wisdom that will live on in the hearts and minds of his family is his sage advice, "Live in the moment." Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Jouana; children, Julia E. Huston, and Tyler M. Huston; siblings, Kimberly Huston, Kelly and Jeremy Willis, Kristi and Daniel Gagnon, Eric Huston, and Matthew and Christina (Kjonaas) Huston; and stepmother, Pamela Huston. His memory will also be cherished by several aunts and uncles; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; in-laws, Tony and Erica (Shames) Massoud, George and Christine (Pape) Massoud, John Massoud (the late Minora (Nelson) Massoud), Eric and Kamleh (Massoud) Kennerknecht, Anthony and Jamel (Massoud) Sheehan, and Robert Duxbury (the late Leila (Massoud) Duxbury); and many special friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Margaret (Staviski) Huston; as well as father-in-law and mother-in-law, George T. and Jamal (Asmar) Massoud. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., Utica, corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Christopher's funeral service and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger St., where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Boutros El Hachem. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.