Christopher Merola entered St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Conn., on June 16, 2026, where he later succumbed to his unexpected illness at the age of 67.
Chris was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dec. 29, 1958, to Vincent Merola and Honor Boyd. Vincent was owner of Merrill Sharpe, LTD, a successful clothing manufacturer.Â
Chris’ grandfather, Capt. James Erroll Boyd, was an early aviator and the first Canadian to fly nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. After his father’s death in 1970, Chris entered South Kent School in South Kent, graduating with the class of 1977. He made many lifelong friends at South Kent and went on to attend the University of Miami as a freshman.
Chris was an adventuresome young man and found himself in the gem business in Brazil in the early 1980’s.
He moved back to Connecticut and married Lauren Beecher. They had one son, Michael Merola. Chris was a man who lived on his own terms. He eventually went into the food delivery business as an independent contractor. He did so well he began wholesaling frozen food and started a company called Colonial Cuisine.
After leaving Colonial Cuisine, Chris had his own messenger business delivering medical and financial products around the state of Connecticut.  Chris was also author of the book, “The One Who Runs and Hides,” which can be found on Amazon.
Chris had many personal interests, which became passions. They included international travel as well as, hiking, the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Yankees, horse racing, fishing and the pursuit of Bigfoot.
He loved nature and the outdoors. Chris resided at a cabin in Norfolk for almost a dozen years. He traveled extensively in Brazil and Chile, but most recently spent time in Asia. This is where he planned to retire.
He watched many Minnesota Vikings games with his closest friend, Peter Linn. Chris, Peter and his family explored Antarctica together. Peter was with Chris when he landed a 56-inch striped bass off the shores of Rhode Island.
Chris had many close friends and will be deeply missed.
A small memorial service will be held at South Kent School in 2027.