Christopher Kiejna Unsworth died, too young, July 27th, 2018, at the family home in Lee after an extended battle with cancer. The beloved son of Thomas E. Unsworth Jr. and Barbara (Kiejna) Unsworth, he was born June 1, 1970 and lived in Pittsfield.
Chris was educated at St. Mary’s School in Lee and St. Joseph’s High School in Pittsfield. A standout athlete and ever the team player, Chris played baseball and as co-captain of the basketball team and helped lead the St. Joe’s basketball team to a State Championship title in 1988. Chris received both a BA and MBA from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, where again he was named co-captain of the men’s basketball team.
After being employed by an accounting firm in Newport, he realized his true calling was to teach and coach. In September of 1997, Chris found a home at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington, where he was lovingly known as ‘Uns’ to both students and teachers alike. After many years coaching girls basketball, he experienced a special pride and enjoyment coaching the girls cross country team. Chris never drew a line between teaching and coaching as he considered both to be opportunities to educate and support young students. He earned his MA in psychology from Westfield State College to aid his efforts.
Chris spent his summers working at the Tanglewood Box Office and cheering on his beloved Yankees. Many of his most cherished moments were spent getting as close to the ocean as possible, making frequent trips to Newport with friends or to the Cape with family during their relished annual family trip.
In addition to his parents, Chris is survived by brother Thomas E. III and nephews Ryan and godson Matthew of Fairhaven; brother Andrew and wife Marybeth, and nephew/godson Luke and niece Stella of Norwood; sister Emily Manz and husband Thomas and niece Lucie of Walpole; godson Sean Collins of Lenox and aunt and uncle Donna and William Stack of Mendham, New Jersey. He also leaves many cousins and a wealth of friends who were as loyal and supportive of him as he was of them.
Funeral Services for Christopher K. Unsworth will be held Wednesday, August 1, 2018, 10AM at St. Mary’s Church, in Lee, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated by Monsignor John Bonzagni. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting Hours will be Tuesday evening 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kelly Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers those wishing may make a donation to either the Monument Mountain High School Girls Cross Country Booster Club or HospiceCare in The Berkshires in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net
