CHRIS’ OBITUARY

Christopher (Chris) James Lacey of Rockland, MA passed away on July 20 at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in East Sandwich, MA surrounded by his loving family.

Chris was born in Boston, MA on August 21, 1958. He was adopted by his parents Howard P. and Emma (Millette) Lacey on Christmas Eve December 24, 1958.

Chris was an avid athlete growing up. In 1974, Chris was honored as a National Athlete of the Year for Babe Ruth Baseball Athletics. He continued playing three sports a year throughout high school: football, ice hockey and baseball. He even played soccer his senior year, as he broke his wrist badly and couldn’t play baseball.

In April of 1980, Chris met his wife Elaine (Calliontzis) at Bentley College (now University), where they both attended. Chris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1982. He went onto become a Certified Cash Manager through the Treasury Management Association in 1990. Chris began working in finance in different positions until finding his real calling in Sales. Chris was quite a talker and a very fitting career for him. Chris excelled at Sales and was awarded the Chairman’s Circle award from PNC Bank in 2003, ’05 and ’06. He became Senior Vice President with his last company, Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon.

Chris’ mother, Emma, battled with cancer, which ultimately took her life. After her passing, Chris becamevery involved with the Expect Miracles foundation of Mutual Funds Against Cancer. Chris was awarded the CJ award for his work with Expect Miracles in 2004, as well as the Lonnie Award. The Lonnie Award honors an individual whose passion advances the lifesaving mission of the Expect Miracles Foundation. Chris’ golf foursome, including his son, Zachary (Zack), won a charitable tournament for the foundation in 2015.

Chris was very involved with youth sports within the town of Rockland, coaching Little League baseball and youth ice hockey. Chris would attend every one of his son’s games in every sport. Ultimately, Chris wanted a more competitive setting for the youth to play baseball and travel. Chris along with his friend, Jim Reardon, created an AAU Baseball team, the South Shore Hurricanes that competed for 10 years, winning 6 regional championships and a National title in Sarasota, Florida in 2012.

He was a terrific coach and a dedicated supporter of all the Boston teams. A fun fact, the New England Patriots won all three Superbowl’s he attended.

Chris and his family were dedicated fans and supporters of the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox Baseball Club of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He spent every summer attending games, as week as having players and coaches live at his home each season. He treated all players that crossed his path as his own sons. He and his family would travel to many parts of the country to watch ‘their’ sons play for their college teams, attend their weddings and meet their families.

Chris was a sports enthusiast, golfer, traveler, avid gardener, reader and bird watcher. He was a big kid at heart!

Chris is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elaine, son Zack and girlfriend Madeleine, his brother Jeff and wifeShawna, his in-laws, Constintine (Connie) and Betty Calliontzis and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Emma of Weymouth, MA.

We owe a great deal of thanks and gratitude to all the medical personnel and staff of Spaulding Rehab Hospital that took incredible care of Chris over the past 6 years. Their intense caring, thoughtfulness and dedication of not only Chris, but the family cannot be matched.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Lacey family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Chris’ life in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on Monday, July 29, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Holy Family Church on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Holy Family Cemetery.