Captain Christopher (Chris) Wyllys Abbruzzese
April 8, 1960 - September 29, 2020
Captain Christopher “Chris” Wyllys Abbruzzese, 60, died suddenly September 29 at his home in Park City, Utah. Born in Albany, he was a pilot for American Airlines and had lived in several different locations over his 37-year career with the company. He married the love of his life Sarah Christine Kroeger, formerly of Chapel Hill, NC, in 2012. Together they enjoyed skiing, mountain biking, and traveling.
Chris was the son of Antonio Abbruzzese and Pamela Elliot Abbruzzese both of whom predeceased him. He was also predeceased by a sister Pammy. In addition to his wife, Christy, he is survived by brothers Joseph “Tiger” and wife Galyna and their daughters Valerie and Angie of Albany, NY; Jerry and wife Sherrie, and their children Jerry Jr., Zac, Gus, Mary of Jupiter, Fl.; Greg and his wife Diana and their daughter Lily, of Kinderhook, NY; Stefan and wife Cori and their children Alex and Julia, of Ridgefield, CT; and a sister Mary.
Chris had flying on his mind from childhood and often commented on his happiness at fulfilling his dream of becoming an airline pilot. His career took him to global destinations, but his favorite place on earth was Park City, where he had lived for more than 20 years.
A private family service will be held on Monday, October 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park City. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family suggests donations in Chris’s memory to Mountain Trails Foundation, or National Ability Center.
In Loving Memory
Dear Tiger, Jerry, Greg, and Stephan, I am humbled and saddened to send my deepest condolences to each of you on the passing of Chris. He has always held a special place in my heart as I grew by Mary’s side in childhood. He was the one that made us laugh until our stomach hurt and was the “reality checker” to our whimsical childhood fantasies . Chris was the quintessential middle child feisty, spirited and smart and his role in the family will be wholeheartedly missed . I am glad at least that Chris was able to spend his days living the life he wanted where he could count the number of powder days skied in a season, was married to a wonderful companion and oh yes worked some as an accomplished pilot for American Airlines. Please know today how much you all mean to me and that I am sending you all the well wishes in the world. With so much love- Sandy
When I heard this very sad news, into my head popped an image of a racing helmet on skis, shooting by me, a zooming blur zipping down The Colonel... a kid born to ski. Years later, our paths crossed again... Chris was fun, full of energy and laughter, a great guy with a big smile that you were always glad to see. My deep condolences to his wife and friends, and to his family.
Dear Tiger, Jerry, Greg, and Stephan, Please accept my condolences. I am sorry to hear of Chris's passing. I remember him in our high school, the world's best skier, able navigate the ice and rocks of tall double black diamond trials at great speed in few turns top to bottom. There was no one like him. He was intelligent and athletic and funny. I had always planned to catch up with him again. He was young. What a tragedy. Kevin
I feel so badly for all of us who received the gift of Chris. I have a story to share with you. When I worked for Key Corp I had to meet with one of our bank presidents in Massena, NY. I flew in a regional airline there and was the only passenger on that trip. There was a very heavy fog and we made two attempts to land. At that point the pilot came on the microphone and asked if I would like to try one more time. I responded that I would appreciate it. We found a gap in the cloud and landed successfully as I walked the aisle to the front to disembark, the pilot turns with a massive smile and says: “I always did whatever you asked, Mr. Doring.” And he did.
We are saddened by the news of Chris's passing. I knew of Chris as this kid from a big family that lived across the schoolyard from us. Then one morning in 10th grade there he was in our crowded hallway at Shaker High. The closing of the Cranwell School was an upheaval the young man didn't want. For those of us at Shaker and Westernes who received the benefit of. Chris's friendship and humor for the next three years, we'd hit the jackpot. A self aware teen Chris helped us kind of make sense of adolescence. Thanks for your laughter old friend. Condolences Family and Friends. Love, Tim & Christine Gordon and Family
I am sad to learn of Chris passing. My condolences to his family. I was a varsity Soccer teammate with Chris at Shaker. Chris was naturally talented always positive and ready for the laughs on the field and bus rides. I moved to Chicago in the late eighties and travel frequently. Years ago while boarding a flight from O’Hare out West the captain was greeting passengers. We recognized each other immediately and the Bison Soccer laughter again was spontaneous. He was special!
This is very sad news.. I first met Chris in Kindergarten at St Pius and we remained friends through High School. I last saw Chris at our 20th HS reunion where we had a lot of laughs. He always had a smile and always made people around him laugh.. Our thoughts prayers go out to his family.. He'll be missed by all who knew him. Jim Watkinson
Dear Christy, Tiger, Greg, Jerry, Stephan & Mary. I am stunned and heartbroken at the awful loss of your husband and brother and my great old buddy. I was really happy Chris and I were able to reconnect in recent years and I was looking forward to getting together in person after this Covid disaster. It is unbearable to think that is not to be. Chris, I and John were the 3 stooges from our time at school together. Chris became my brother. We did everything together and wherever we went we had a blast. When we visited your family, you too accepted me as a brother. Chris was a character, he was unbelievably fun and funny, and he was a really smart guy. Chris was so lucky to have such success in the career he always dreamed of. And luckier still that Mary found Christy for him... lucky indeed. Our hearts break with yours. We are better for having had Chris in our lives. With our deepest condolences, Oscar, Cathy & Sarah Nieves
In Loving Memory
