Christopher J. McEvoy

Christopher J. McEvoy

Christopher Joseph McEvoy Jr. passed away peacefully on May 1st after a long battle with multiple medical challenges. Chris was born in Auburn on September 14th, 1939, a blessing and surprise to his older sisters who did not know he was coming until his parents brought him home to Mary Street.

As a young man, he spent his days at the Y-Field perfecting his basketball and baseball skills. A sports star, he hit the inaugural home run at the opening of the Little League field at Emerson Park. His Y-Field and Mary Street friends remained close all their lives.

He attended Central High and eventually served in the Air Force, stationed out West. He returned to Auburn to join his sister Kathleen at McEvoy Florist, where they worked side by side. Chris loved everything about the flower business, but especially the community of co-workers, customers, and friends. He always described their business to his children as following people from birth, first dates, weddings, anniversaries, holidays, and funerals. He loved and appreciated the role McEvoy Florist played in so many significant life events.

Chris’s love of playing and watching sports, especially golf, was a huge part of his life. Many in Auburn and beyond have had the pleasure of sharing a round of golf with Chris. A scratch golfer for much of his life, he won tournaments and had multiple hole-in-ones but was happiest playing with friends (of any level).

Nicknamed “the Bear” for his golf game, he was more importantly named “Uncle Softie” by his niece Katie Vetrano. This name described his generous spirit and possibly also his waistband. He was not one to drink coffee, but you could find him ordering a Pepsi or chocolate milkshake for breakfast, and letting his kids do the same. For anyone who had the good fortune to meet him, Chris’ kindness, friendship, quick wit, puns, and “dad jokes” were always at the ready.

Chris will be deeply missed by his wife of 56 years, Margaret (Lamphere), and remembered as a loving and supportive father to their three children, Chris (Anneke), Erin (Tim) Mason of Chicago, and Adam (Erin) of Little Rock. He is survived by his devoted sister Kathleen (the late Anthony) Vetrano, loving in-laws, and nieces and nephews. He was blessed to share 18 years with his grandchildren Dorothy, Colin, Finn, Ellis Rose, Walker, Helen, Lilly, and Brigid, and enjoyed entertaining them at their second house on Capitol St Ext, hunting for golf balls, making eggplant parmesan, and hosting holidays. He is preceded in death by his parents Christopher and Madalene, his sister Madalene Sullivan, his brothers-in-law, and many loved cousins, aunts, uncles, and very special friends.

He spent his final years as a resident of Finger Lakes Center for Living, where he received wonderful care in exchange for arranging flowers and lots of laughs. His family is indebted to the amazing staff for taking care of Chris like family.

In honor of Chris and his remarkable spirit, there will be a funeral mass and gathering in early summer. Donations in his name can be made to Cayuga County Meals on Wheels.