Obituary of Christopher A. Blackman

Blackman - Christopher A. Christopher Adam Blackman, 37, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2015 in the comfort of his home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. Chris was born on July 21, 1978 to John N. Blackman Jr. and Kathleen Cross Blackman, formerly of Darien, Conn., the first of three siblings. He grew up in Darien and attended Darien High School, where he excelled as a student and enjoyed playing on the Blue Wave football team. After graduating DHS in 1996, Chris attended Hamilton College, where he also played football and received a Bachelor of Arts in history in 2000. He subsequently received a degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2003. Chris was a member of the New York Bar Association and was most recently admitted into the Connecticut Bar. He was published twice by the New York Law Journal. In 2003, Chris moved to New York - a city that complemented his animated spirit and boundless energy. A man known for his strong values and unwavering integrity, Chris quickly established a successful law career, and most recently held a post at Gordon & Silber, PC. It was over a summer weekend in Newport, R.I. that Chris met Julia (nee Julia Burgio), his best friend and future wife, whom he married on June 16, 2012. They moved from New York to Darien in 2013. Chris was a gentle soul with a lust for life. He was an avid golfer and skier who relished the spring of the green under his feet and the crunch of fresh powder under his skis. He was also known to enjoy a good tennis rally with Julia. On many evenings and weekends, he could be found running in Central Park, training for various half-marathons. In 2011, Chris finished the New York City Marathon. Chris also was a wine aficionado and collector with a taste for big California reds. He was an avid traveler who counted Newport, Nantucket, Mass., and Vail, Colo., among his and Julia's favorite destinations. Chris relished in spending the summers being the captain of his family's boat. Chris blessed all who knew him with his quick wit, striking intelligence, easy charm, soulful laugh, and inviting smile. His warmth, kindness, smiling eyes and love will be forever missed, but never forgotten. Chris is survived by his wife, Julia; parents, Nick and Kathleen; sisters, Genna and Laura; sister-in-law, Laura Birdsall; brothers-in-law, Seth Chernin, Jake Grzyb and Alex Birdsall; as well as his niece, Carleigh Birdsall. Family and friends will carry on his positive spirit and zest for life. A private memorial will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital http://www.giftfunds.stjude.org/cblackman Chris Blackman / C.A.B. Memorial Fund Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820