Chris J. Booras

He was born in Keene, NH on December 11, 1934, the son of Greek immigrants, John A. and Antonia (Panopoulos) Booras. Chris attended Keene schools graduating from Keene High School in 1952. He was awarded the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Award for outstanding achievement in math and science, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was elected class representative to the student council and attended Boys State.

Chris graduated from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T) in 1956. He warned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Engineering Administrations with a sub major in Mechanical Engineering. Chris continued his studies at the New York University Graduate School.

While attending schools and college, he assisted his father on weekends and during vacations managing his restaurant, the Bon Ton, in Keene. He enjoyed meeting and socializing with the many local and out-of-town personalities visiting the restaurant including Poet Laureate, Robert Frost, composer conductor Leonard Bernstein, the Vienna Boys Choir and many performers for the Fuller Bartlett and Community Concert Series.

After graduating from M.I.T., Chris was enrolled in the General Electric Company Management Training Program. He was assigned to the Medium Steam Turbine and Clock and Timer Departments in Lynn and Worcester, MA.

From 1957 through 1959, Chris served in active duty in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. He was assigned to the Chemical Procurement District in New Your City, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He then

served 4 years in the U.S. Army Reserve prior to being honorably discharge.

During the years 1959 through 1968, together with his brother Peter, they founded and operated Yankee Artist, Inc., printing and publishing firm in Keene. Christ later joined the Alexander Proudfoot Company, serving as a management consultant.

He became Treasurer and Director of Administration of Prime Tanning Co., Inc., a progressive manufacturing firm employing 100-1200 people, headquartered in Maine. Chris resigned from this company in 1982 to organize his own business, Booras Realty Associates, investing in real estate in Keene and the New Hampshire seacoast region. In his resignation, he explained he didn’t want to wake up some morning, realize he was 65 years old and say, “I wonder what it would be like to be in business for myself.”

Chris was a lifelong member of the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene. He attended church services faithfully. For many years, Chris served on the Church Council as treasurer and participated on special committees. He was an incorporator of the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge and organized the Greek Orthodox Church services there for over 10 years. Chris sponsored Fellowship Hours, which followed services both at the Keene church and at the Cathedral.

He was an active member of a number of organizations including the Masonic Lodge for over 65 years. Chris was a member of the Historical Society of Cheshire County and served on several City of Keene Boards, including the Architectural Review Board as Chairman, and as a member of the Board of Assessors.

His interest included reading and studying history. He was especially interested in the U.S. history, both the Civil War era, and the Great Depression, ancient Greece and the Byzantine Empire. Chris enjoyed skiing, going on long walks, traveling, gardening, deep sea fishing, and spending summers at the family home at Hampton Beach.

Chris never sought personal credit. His friends and business acquaintances considered him a “team player” of integrity, unselfish, reliable and someone who could do business on a handshake.

His family was always important to him. Being from a closely-knit family background, he cherished the presence of his family, relatives and friends.

Survivors include a sister, Mary, of Keene; many cousins, including Randy Booras of Florida; a nephew, John Werner and his wife, Sharon, of Aloha, Oregon; a niece, Beth Lee and husband, Maurice of Abington, PA; many grand nephews and nieces; Godchildren and God brothers and sisters; and many friends. His brother, Peter, and sisters, Julia and Helen, predeceased him.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 9:00am to 11:00am at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 70 West Street, Keene. Services will follow at 11:00am at the Church. Burial with committal prayers and military honors will be held on Tuesday, March 19th at 11:00am in the Monadnock View Cemetery, Park Avenue, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Booras’ memory to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, PO Box 392, Keene, NH 03431.