Christopher N. Lemone

It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Christopher Lemone on Sunday, October 18th. Chris was born on June 19, 1966 and spent much of his youth on the baseball fields of Northrop and Springdale. The experiences and lessons learned there served as the cornerstone of the principled and benevolent man he would later become. After excelling at baseball and basketball at Stamford Catholic High School "Lem" or "Lem-dog" as he was known by his compadres, enrolled at Sacred Heart University of Fairfield where he became an All-NECC baseball player. In 1988 he hit an astounding .444, which still remains the second highest average ever at the University. He finished his college career with a .368 average. These prodigious athletic achievements would foreshadow the destiny of man who would have a far-reaching positive impact.

After running a successful landscaping business with lifelong friend Billy Dazzo, Chris enrolled in the University of Bridgeport to pursue a Master’s Degree in counseling. Upon graduation, Chris started Lemone Consulting, a private practice, and became the Staples High School Student Outreach Counselor. Throughout his career Chris had an immeasurable effect on hundreds of lives. He instantaneously became a well-respected and trusted mentor. His advice and guidance was always delivered with thoughtful intelligence and a calm, assured demeanor. As the driving force behind Staples High Teen Awareness Group, or TAG as it is known throughout the school, Chris was deservedly proud of both the program’s success and his students’ achievements. TAG would become an integral part of the school and serve as a model program that increased awareness of the dangers of risky adolescent behavior. It is believed his tireless efforts with TAG have saved countless lives. Chris’s impact has also been felt through his work with organizations such as: Safe Rides, Silver Hill Hospital, Kids in Crisis, Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care, VITAM Center and his involvement with Bethel Baseball Association. Chris served as a youth baseball coach for many seasons bringing a unique mix of playing experience and teaching acumen. He coached the way he played and counseled, with passion and dignity, transferring his love of the game onto the many youth he inspired.

He was a member of the American Counseling Association, Westport Family Support Team, Westport Youth Commission, Fairfield Coalition Alliance, and the Bethel Community Care Coalition.

Chris cherished and looked forward to each and every moment with his family and friends. His varied interests included but were not limited to: Broadway shows, heavy metal music, cooking, the New York Yankees, reading and traveling. Each dramatic performance, baseball game, or beach vacation was significant and filled with love and laughter that was often provided by Chris through his unique and well-timed comedic gifts. In every way Chris was truly a selfless man, a renaissance man. A recent post by a former student affectionately suggested that Chris would likely throw his hands in the air and say: “You gotta try your best to make the most of it while your alive.”

He is survived by his beloved family, wife Kim and children Madison and Ryan of Bethel and stepdaughter Samantha of Westport. His loving parents, Nicholas and Theresa Cosentino Lemone of Stamford and his sister Alisa Lemone Brill and her husband Christopher Brill of Trumbull. He is also survived by several aunts and uncles.

Family will receive friends and family at Green Funeral home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, from 4-8 pm on Thursday, October 22nd.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday morning at St. Mary Catholic Church, 26 Dodgingtown Rd, Bethel at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to a scholarship fund that has been set up at Morgan Stanley for Chris’ children. Donations can be sent to Morgan Stanley c/o George Viebrock, 90 Grove Street 2nd floor, Ridgefield, CT 06877.