Fairfield Family Raises Addiction Awareness In Wake Of Son’s Death

FAIRFIELD, CT — In the wake of their son’s death, a Fairfield family is raising awareness to the struggles of addiction.

Christopher Michael McEttrick, the beloved son of Rick and Meg McEttrick, passed away Monday, March 20 at the age of 30. Chris was a 2004 graduate of Fairfield Prep and later attended St. Joseph’s University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business. He worked as an Account Executive for CDW, a computer and software company.

He also struggled with addiction for many years and “fought fiercely to overcome the disease,” according to his obituary.

“During his challenges, he was loved and supported as he strived to live his life to the fullest,” the obituary reads. “Chris is now free and at peace.”

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting memorials to The Herren Project – a non-profit organization fighting the stigma that surrounds addiction and helping to build communities for recovery. For more on The Herren Project, click here.

Read the full obituary, via Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, here:

Christopher Michael McEttrick, 30, of Fairfield, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017. Born on June 23, 1986, Chris was the beloved son of Rick and Meg McEttrick. He was a graduate of Fairfield Prep High School, Class of 2004 and later attended St. Joseph's University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business. Chris worked as an Account Executive for CDW, a computer and software company.

Chris was smart, quick witted and magnetic. His charm and smile could light up a room. He always took the opportunity to make people laugh with his infamous one-liners and pranks. Chris was an athlete. He played hockey, lacrosse, basketball and tennis throughout his life and was an avid snowboarder. He loved the thrill of the mountain and comradery of his teammates. You could always find him mastering some trick at the terrain park or rallying the neighborhood for a game of street hockey. He was a devoted Jets and Rangers fan and enjoyed coaching lacrosse for Wakeman Boys & Girls Club.

Most of all, Chris was sensitive and loving. He cherished his time with family. He especially loved summers spent together at the beach and trips to South Africa, Hawaii and the Caribbean. He will always be remembered as a caring son, brother and friend.

Chris struggled with addiction for many years and fought fiercely to overcome the disease. During his challenges, he was loved and supported as he strived to live his life to the fullest. Chris is now free and at peace.

Chris is survived by his parents, Rick and Meg, his three sisters, Kelly, Kara, and Casey McEttrick and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents James and Mary McEttrick and John and Edwina Giuliano.

Chris will be deeply missed. The family will receive friends on Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Rd., Fairfield Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m., directly at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Dr., Fairfield with burial to follow in Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Herren Project – a non-profit organization fighting the stigma that surrounds addiction and helping to build communities for recovery.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Lesko & Polke Funeral Home here.