Christopher T. Sutherland

Christopher T. Sutherland, of Medford, formerly longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at age 55.

Chris was born on July 14, 1969 in Winchester, one of four children of the late Janet (Welch) and Thomas Sutherland.

Raised and educated in Melrose, Chris graduated from Melrose High School. A well-liked presence, Chris endeared himself to his classmates and was nearly elected Class President. While he faced adversity with limited vision from a young age, Chris persevered with sheer determination and a well timed one liner. As a student at Bunker Hill Community College, he was again universally well-liked and served as the DJ for the college radio station. He walked to and from the train everyday and eventually received an Associate's Degree before beginning a diverse working career.

Chris enjoyed working for over 10 years in the after school program at the Melrose YMCA. He also worked for several years at Churchill Corporation, and was a friendly face working as a grocer at Gallahue's and Johnny's Foodmaster for several years. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he also operated a vending machine business for several years, selling his favorite Coca-Cola beverages.

With a quiet, yet determined demeanor, Chris was ready for any challenge. He never hesitated to throw on his favorite Red Sox hat and walk miles to a destination during any season. Although life was not always easy, he enjoyed life bowling, listening to the Red Sox or "oldies" on the radio, and handmaking crafts as gifts. He surprised family with generous gifts around the holidays, and collected bottles and cans in support of the Catholic Church. Direct and straightforward, he never negotiated for his favorite foods: pizza, chicken wings, and vanilla ice cream with chocolate cake. And special trips for chicken fingers with his grandparents to Lynn held a special place in his heart.

Deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, Chris was an altar server in his youth and longtime parishioner of St. Mary's and Most Blessed Sacrament Church. He also was very involved with Project Bread and the Walk for Hunger in high school. Chris will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered for his dry and clever wit, humble perseverance, and easy, outgoing nature. May he rest in eternal peace.

Chris is predeceased by his mother and father, longtime Melrose residents, Tom and Janet Sutherland and his loving brother-in-law Kieran Fahy.

Chris was the cherished son of the late Janet G. (Welch) Sutherland, and Thomas M. Sutherland. Beloved brother of Amy E. Padron and her husband Lawrence of Davenport, FL, Sarah G. Ste. Marie and her husband Michael of Melrose, and Abigail E. Gall and her husband Michael of Rowley. Caring uncle of Grace Elizabeth Fahy, Rory Michael Ste. Marie, Lola Reese Ste. Marie, Genevieve Elizabeth Gall, and Rosalie Margaret Gall. Also survived by several loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Chris during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 4-7pm, and again on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 9am before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 10am. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.