Christopher Wayne Hobbs

WINOOKSI, VT – Christopher Wayne Hobbs of Winooski VT, died unexpectedly at his home, Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the age of 28. Christopher was born on June 27, 1987 in Kane, PA, the son of the Rev. William Hobbs, Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Athol, MA and Jane Strong, Mental Health Clinician of Seattle, WA. He was raised by his parents in Southbridge, MA where he attended grade school and received many academic awards. He attended high school at Southbridge, MA and later at Ridgeview High School, Orange Park, FL, where he graduated in 2005. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, FL in 2008. He worked in Customer Service at Verizon Wireless, Burlington VT. Previously he had worked in Customer Service for Verizon Wireless in Orange, MA. Chris was a passionate lover of music, animals and children. He enjoyed traveling and had a loving relationship with his girlfriend Allison Lynch of Burlington, VT. He made friends wherever he went and will be missed by many friends in Massachusetts, Florida & California. He was predeceased by his best friend Zachary Sheradin, grandfathers, Arthur Strong, the Rev. Dr. Wayne Hobbs and Grandmother Kathryn Hobbs. He is survived by his parents, stepmother Shirley Hobbs, his loving sister Kimball Hobbs, grandmother Peggy Strong, uncle Dennis Strong, aunts Cathy Stashack and Carolyn Petro, as well as many cousins. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 13, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 15 Park Ave, Athol, MA. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 11:00 am. The Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Mass will preside. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a drug rehab house being initiated in Webster, MA by the Rev. Janice Ford, Rector of the Church of the Reconciliation. Please make donations to St. John’s Church, 15 Park Ave., Athol, MA 01331 and indicate that they are to be used for Sober House.