Obituary of Christopher J. Andersen

Christopher J. "Kit" Andersen, 69, of Durham, NY died at Albany Medical Center early Friday morning on August 17, 2012. Kit was born on August 27, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY to Elsa and Harold Andersen. He grew up in Point o' Woods Beach and Old Lyme, CT, where he developed his ethic of hard work and jubilant play that would carry through the rest of his life. He attended Lake Forest College in Illinois, before joining the U.S. Army and serving his country in the Vietnam War. Following the war, he earned an Associates Degree at Charter Oaks. Kit and his first wife, Victoria Ferencz (Brodaski), raised twin sons, Phillip and Jonathan. He brought his knowledge of landscape construction and plant material to his work at the Northern Nurseries in West Suffield, CT until his retirement in 2002 - making not only many new customers, but many new friends. Kit always found the time to punctuate the labor with fun and always hearty laughter. He was a terrific and loving father and husband. He was an enthusiastic coach and supporter of youth athletics, as a past Treasurer of the East Lyme Soccer Club and a avid UConn Women's Basketball fan. Kit loved his adoptive home looking over the Catskill Mountains; he enjoyed the passing seasons, wild life and the people of Durham. He is survived by his wife, Judith Parker, his two sons, Phillip Andersen and Jonathan Andersen, his daughter-in-law Denise Abercombie, his grandsons, Kit Andersen and Miles Wilkerson. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Mark Andersen of Downington, PA and David Andersen of Westerly, RI. A memorial service is planned for a later date. Arrangements by A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, NY. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.