Christopher W. Congero

Oakham - Christopher W. Congero passed away on April 16, 2019, at home.  Chris was born in Waterbury, CT on May 19, 1972, the first son of Vito M. Congero Jr. and Colleen M. (Murray) Congero.  When he was a toddler the family moved to Hardwick, and lived on the campus of Eagle Hill School, eventually purchasing the family home in Gilbertville where he spent his youth.

Chris graduated from Quabbin Regional Jr/Sr. High School, Class of 1990, and he was a proud Quabbin Wrestler. After graduation, he attended UMASS Amherst and then joined the United States Army where he served from 1993 to 1998.  While in the Army he served as a Military Police Officer and was stationed in Puerto Rico and Germany and served in Bosnia during the Bosnian War.  Upon honorable discharge from the Army, Chris attended classes again at UMASS.  He then moved to Worcester and took classes at Clark University where he also worked on the grounds crew.  He tended bar at Scarlett O’Hara’s for a short time, and worked the door at The Blarney Stone for many years.  He shared lots of stories about his time at The Blarney and spoke fondly of the employees and regulars there.  He worked for many years at the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services.  Chris moved back to the area several years ago, settling in Oakham.

In his younger years he was a huge fan of Star Wars and comics, of which he amassed a ridiculously large collection, and he was very talented in illustration and drawing.  He was a true teenager of the 80’s, blasting music from the rock bands of the era in his black Firebird while mostly driving fast, really fast.  He loved fast cars and a supremely proud time in his life was sharing a cross country trip with his Dad in the Corvette Z06.

Most of the time Chris was a quiet guy.  He didn’t like the limelight, but in his quietness, he was observant and thoughtful and he didn’t hesitate to add in a funny quip or his definitive opinion on the subject at hand.  Beneath his sometimes grumpy façade, was a kind heart and a caring, sensitive soul who was devoted to his family and friends. The void of his presence will always be felt in our lives, but may the laughter and goodness that comes from being present with his memory always be the balm to soothe our broken hearts.  Rest easy Chris.

Chris leaves his wife Jerica of Oakham, his mother Colleen M. Congero of Gilbertville, his brother Ryan, and his sister and brother-in-law Nikki and Reggie Hamm and their daughters Maria and Molly of Hardwick. His memory will also be cherished by his aunts and uncles, along with extended family and friends.  Chris was predeceased by his father Vito M. Congero, Jr. in 2007.

A Funeral Mass for Chris will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at 11:00AM in the Sacred Heart Church, Main St., in West Brookfield.  There are no calling hours (Chris really didn’t like wakes), and everyone is asked to meet at the church.  Burial with military honors will be held in St. Aloysius Cemetery in Gilbertville following mass. 

The unexpected nature of Chris’ passing has taken an emotional toll on his wife and family, but the financial toll is great as well.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Colleen Congero (mail: ℅ Nicole Hamm P.O. Box 26, Hardwick, MA 01037) or at https://www.gofundme.com/christoper-congero039s-funeral.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements. 

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