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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Christopher T. Anderson


Christopher T.  Anderson, age 61, passed away peacefully at his home on April 29, 2023.

Chris was born and raised in Wilmington, DE, attending Wilmington Friends School and Alexis I. duPont High School. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Virginia, where he also served as golf team captain during his senior year. After college Chris went on to enjoy successful careers as a Professional Golfer and as a Risk Management Advisor at Lyons Companies.

Chris was an accomplished golfer who will be joining his father and former Phillie Harry “The Horse” Anderson in the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. His golf career included the Delaware Junior, Delaware Amateur, and two Philadelphia Amateur titles, as well as a record seven Delaware Open Championships. Chris was also named the 1983 Delaware Athlete of the Year and was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top three golfers of all-time from the State of Delaware. He was a member of the Hogan/Nike Tour, the South African PGA and Canadian PGA Tours, and he qualified for five PGA Tour events during his career, including the 1996 PGA Championship.

Chris was a humble champion, always fun-loving and a good friend to so many. He cherished his time with his family, and most of all with his children as a devoted father. Chris was selfless, kindhearted and enjoyed helping others. He was generous with his time as a supporter of Special Olympics Delaware and as a board member of the Delaware SPCA and First Tee – Delaware. Chris was also proud to be honored by the Variety Club of Philadelphia for developing the Golf Buddy Program, which grew into a national program with other Variety Club Chapters.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Harry, and is survived by his mother Gail, his son Harry, his daughter Lily and their mother Dina; his brother Todd (Beth), and their children Ellie, Brett and Bo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Tee – Delaware, PO Box 419, Rockland, DE 19732 or Humane Animal Partners, 455 Stanton Christiana Rd., Newark, DE 19713.

Funeral Services

Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday June 11, 2023 at 11:30 am at the Wilmington Country Club.

Condolences

    Jeff Frederick lit a candle and writes,
    My memories of Chris were ones that went I played either golfing with him or connecting socially. He had the highest level of sincerity, humility and genuine affection for people around him. It was always entertaining to be around him and that is a true gift to people who knew him. I hope I catch up to him on the big golf course again. You were the best that people could ever hope for.
    05/03/2023 07:13 pm
    Bowen Sargent writes,
    The UVA golf family lost a great member of its family, way too soon. We are sad to hear and wish his friends and family the best in this time. From the Virginia Golf Family!
    05/03/2023 09:46 pm
    Laura Pantalone writes,
    Dear Gail, Todd and family, I’m sadden to hear of Chris passing. It’s said that God only takes the best. I know that Rocky greeted Chris with a bag on his shoulder ready to tee off. My sincere condolences. Laura Pantalone
    05/04/2023 05:59 am
    karla lit a candle and writes,
    I worked with Chris for over 20 years, he would talk your ear off about most anything. He could light up the darkest room whenever he spoke about his kids. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to Harry, Lily and family.
    05/04/2023 07:34 am
    Steve Zarett lit a candle and writes,
    Chris i will miss our yearly Margate golf outings. You were the nicest guy with the biggest heart i have ever met. I enjoyed having you in my life, God bless and prayers for your family
    05/04/2023 08:42 am
    Billy Dickinson lit a candle and writes,
    To my friend, my brother and golf mentor. I LOVE YOU and you will be forever missed. Chris was all the above and more. Truly, blessed and lucky to have known him. Chris inspired me to be a golf professional and taught me how to play this horrible game that I love so dearly. He use to tell me “I have to learn to play bad golf before I could learn to play good golf “!! Lol. Well my friend, I’m still playing bad golf!! Words can’t express how forever grateful I am to have been you friend ! Thank you for everything!! My sincerest condolences Gail, Todd, Harry, Lily, Dina and family. -Billy Dickinson Jr.
    05/04/2023 08:56 am
    Thomas Borsello lit a candle and writes,
    It is with great sadness that I send my most sincere condolences. It has been a real honor to have known Chris and play golf with him. He was always a gentleman and fun to be around. God bless all.
    05/04/2023 08:57 am
    Scott Gordon lit a candle and writes,
    I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Chris was clearly my "brother from another mother" in the 1970s, and he was a groomsman in my 1987 wedding. Condolences to the extended Anderson family...
    05/04/2023 09:27 am
    Wendy Rumpff lit a candle and writes,
    Chris is one of the nicest men I've ever met. I am blessed to have known him. He will live on in my heart! My deepest sympathy.
    05/04/2023 10:00 am
    Greg Wolfe lit a candle
    05/04/2023 12:20 pm
    Charma Bell lit a candle and writes,
    Dearest Anderson Family, Our Love, thoughts & prayers will always be with each of you. Thank you for sharing Chris with us as he was an amazing board member, mentor & friend of the First Tee - Delaware. Please know we will always honor the wonderful work he did & his legacy of helping others will continue with our chapter. With Peace, Love ❤️ & Gratitude 🙏🏽 Always, Charma Bell & Family
    05/04/2023 12:28 pm
    Curt Simmons writes,
    The heart is heavy losing a Great person like Chris. He will never be forgotten & always will miss the time Chris & I shared together through golf as well as work. RIP Chris!!
    05/04/2023 12:30 pm
    Bob Norris writes,
    Chris was an extraordinary individual who cared so much about so many. Fun-loving, he had such a kind heart, and he was always thinking about others. I first met Chris when he was 11 years old, and I was 18 when we competed in match play at Wilmington Country Club in the Junior Championship semi-finals. He crushed me … winning 6 &5! As I joked with him over the last few years … maybe the most humbling sports experience I ever had. Also … the joke continued … as I told him, he would never been the great golfer he was … without first beating me!!! He always laughed at that … and would come back to me with a fun, smart remark. So Chris! Chris became a very good friend of mine (as he was to many, many others) when he joined the First Tee - Delaware Board. We shared the love of sports – Phillies, Eagles and Sixers as well as all things golf. He had a zillion ideas as to how to make us better. And I never tired of hearing about his kids, his beloved dog – Bogey, and when I asked – stories/experiences about the days and friends he made while playing professional golf. Since we became friends, he was the definition of humbleness and humility, a real servant leader, a friend to all; and, was really focused on making First Tee – Delaware one of the preeminent chapters in the First Tee network. We were truly blessed to have him part of our First Tee – Family for the last few years. He will be truly missed.
    05/04/2023 12:48 pm
    Bert lit a candle and writes,
    I watched Chris grow up shopping at my store, I recently crossed paths with him for the first time in over a decade. Same big smile and warm greeting. He surely will be missed by many. Rest in peace my friend.
    05/04/2023 12:57 pm
    jim sullivan writes,
    I have nothing but great memories of the times that I spent with Chris. A true gentleman and friend. I hope to see you on another tee box in my next life Chris! God bless you and hold you close
    05/04/2023 01:17 pm
    Bob Norris lit a candle and writes,
    To Chris's family ... As Executive Director, First Tee - Delaware, we will always remember Chris is so many ways. We were blessed to have him join us a few years ago. His ideas made us better. Chris was and will always be such a big part of our First Tee - Delaware family. And by extension -- each of you are too part of our family. Please call on us to help in any way we can. We will keep Chris's spirit alive and ensure the kids and teens we serve benefit in the ways he would want them to be -- enjoy the game of golf and be community focused - give back and pay forward. We are truly honored to be one of the beneficiaries of the memorial contributions in Chris's memory. Thank you.
    05/04/2023 01:18 pm
    Michelle Lesniak writes,
    Chris, or as we knew him as “the DUDE” was the salt of the earth. He spent many Mondays on the golf course with my husband Ben and the “All Madden Team”... One of my fondest memories of him is when I had my first child, Ben Jr. He sent me the most beautiful bouquet of red roses to the hospital. That is the kind of person he was. God bless him.
    05/04/2023 03:00 pm
    Jonathan Nazigian writes,
    Chris was a great neighbor on our street. Always a wave and friendly conversation. When my parents were getting up in years, he and Harry and Lily would always make sure my parents' walkway was shoveled clear. They so appreciated his kindness. He will be missed. Praying God's comfort for his family.
    05/04/2023 03:04 pm
    Dave McNabb lit a candle and writes,
    I'll never forget meeting Chris at DelCastle Driving Range for the first time. Such an amazing talent and an even more amazing person. Chris inspired me to be the best golfer I could be, as he did so many others. But his greatest asset was to inspire others to be the best person they could be. Whether he knew it or not, he had a profound impact on so many he met throughout the years. I am saddened to hear about the loss of Chris and my deepest condolences go out to his family. I will always, fondly remember the good times we had competing against each other and enjoying a cold beer afterwards. Until we meet again... God bless you my friend!
    05/04/2023 03:20 pm
    Tim Porter lit a candle and writes,
    Growing up as a junior golfer at Wilmington Country Club, Chris was a legend. I remember Chris walking down to the range with headphones on and watching him hit balls. He used to hit balls with one hand...left then right. He had incredible hands and great creativity...just a natural and fun to watch. I feel lucky to have known such a great golfer, and an even better human being. I will miss his warm presence and comforting smile. RIP Chris.
    05/04/2023 03:50 pm
    Tim Clunan lit a candle
    05/04/2023 04:05 pm
    John Riley writes,
    Sincere condolences to the Anderson family. I was honored to recently propose Chris for the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame. It gave me an opportunity to talk at length with Chris about his golf career. He was so humble about his accomplishments. In discussing what he might say at his induction, it was all about the people he wanted to thank, beginning with his family. I loved that I had this experience with him and that well into the future whenever we saw each other that special connection would be there. I can't believe that will never happen. Rest in peace my friend.
    05/04/2023 04:24 pm
    Robert Martinelli writes,
    Just a true gentleman and great golfer. We'll miss him.
    05/04/2023 05:23 pm
    Rand Mendez lit a candle and writes,
    I met Chris when he was a golf legend and I was an aspiring competitive golfer. I thought I would be intimidated but that was impossible around his personality. I became good friends with him for years, all associated with golf …. I’ve told many people how amazed I was in how he treats you as an equal with great respect and interest in your game, even though his talent and accomplishments were so far superior than me. I am saddened I won’t get to see him or enjoy another round of golf with him, but his kids are a wonderful legacy
    05/04/2023 06:48 pm
    Tom Lindia lit a candle and writes,
    Our prayers are with the entire Anderson Family. We are so very sorry for your loss.
    05/04/2023 07:26 pm
    Stan Minka lit a candle and writes,
    So saddened to hear this news on Chris passing. One of the nicest , easy going guys I’ve ever met and certainly a Delaware Legend on the course . Thoughts and Prayers are with the family 🙏 during this sad & difficult time .
    05/04/2023 07:26 pm
    John McNair writes,
    Chris and Todd were always so great to be around. Both were older than me and far more skilled at golf; however, treated me as a great friend and competitor. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Anderson family. God Bless and take care!
    05/04/2023 07:38 pm
    Robin McCool writes,
    I am saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. Chris was a tremendous golf talent and a pleasure to play with and compete against. When you played Chris you needed your “A” game or else you were left behind. He set a great example on the golf course, but more importantly Chris was a wonderful person. I will miss him very much. Rest in peace my friend⛳️❤️
    05/04/2023 08:14 pm
    Joseph Waninger, Jr. lit a candle and writes,
    A true gentleman and really one of the nicest people I have ever had the honor to know. Chris never had a bad word to say about anyone, always smiling, always willing to help, no matter what he was asked to do. I will always remember how proud he was of his children and how much he loved and respected his mother. I loved to listen to the stories about his father and how much Chris admired his celebrity dad. I will always have lasting memories of our times together, Chris took me to Pine Valley, he arraigned to take a group of work associates to a US Open on Long Island, NY, and he helped me run several golf outings, anytime people asked for his assistance he always said yes, he would insist on lending his time. I will keep the Anderson family in my prayers, and I will always keep Chris in my heart's best memories. God speed Chris, gone too soon.
    05/04/2023 08:24 pm
    Sean Fitzpatrick lit a candle
    05/04/2023 09:53 pm
    Ken Whalley writes,
    I don’t know if I can add much to what has been said about Chris. When I think of him, I can hear his laugh and I remember him with a smile. I do remember a funny story about Chris. So back in late 80’s & early 90’s, Chris was trying to get his Tour card and he had played on a number of professional tours while chasing the dream. And while he’s had some close calls, he’s approaching that difficult decision whether it may be time to get a “real” job. So we’re out playing one day and and we come to a par 3 with the pin tucked in the back right. Chris gets up there and hits a beautiful high fade that stops about a foot from the hole. I think that it came off exactly as he pictured it. He picked up his tee and said “Damn, that’s why I can’t quit this game”.
    05/04/2023 10:04 pm
    Yogish and Anju Patel lit a candle and writes,
    Chris was my favorite golfer and person at the Club. “All that glitters is not Gold” A golfer with many skills and never boring to play with. Daring in execution and expert short maker-a skill few process or even try for the sake of posting a reasonable score. Anju and I are very Sad. May his spirit and Soul rise from the ashes and be renewed again in haven.
    05/05/2023 06:52 am
    Kris & Zarina lit a candle and writes,
    Sending our deepest condolences to Lily and her family. Peace.
    05/05/2023 09:45 am
    Bert Hahn lit a candle and writes,
    Some of my favorite times in life were spent on the golf course on Chris or Todd Anderson's bag as a caddie in the Philly Amateurs, Philly Opens, Delaware Amateurs & Delaware Opens.You could always count on their competitive spirit showing up ! Todd always down the middle and hitting greens, but Chris you never knew with the strength of his shoulders he could sometimes have 20 extra yds distance in a certain iron. Chris was always creative with his up & downs and could keep his rounds "on track" for a good score. A credit to their parents Gail and Harry, both Chris and Todd were always gentlemen on and off the golf course, always exemplified good sportsmanship, and always adhered to the rules of golf without question. It was a pleasure to be part of Chris and Todd's formative golf years and be able to call them a friend in my life. Chris, your humor, your humbleness, your sincerity, your competitive spirit, and your friendship will be missed by me and all who loved you !!
    05/05/2023 12:11 pm
    Anne Cavanaugh writes,
    This is very sad news, sincere condolences to the Anderson family from Delaware SPCA/Humane Animal Partners. I had the pleasure of working with Chris when he was a member of the Delaware SPCA board. Like many have said, he was humble, gracious, kind, funny, and committed to our mission of helping animals in need. We’re grateful to Chris and Gail for their many years of support - and proud of the Harry “The Horse” Anderson bench that sits in front of our Stanton animal shelter! Thank you for choosing us as one of the beneficiaries of memorial contributions in Chris’s memory. Chris will be missed by so many.
    05/05/2023 01:43 pm
    George Pilkington
    05/05/2023 02:17 pm
    James W Whalen Jr writes,
    Condolences to the Anderson family, Chris was a great person to be around. He will be truly missed.
    05/05/2023 03:01 pm
    Spencer Kelly lit a candle and writes,
    Mr. Anderson was someone I looked up to. I’ll always remember our summers playing baseball in LBI and hitting golf balls out of his backyard on to the course. Mr. Anderson was a role model to me and my brother.
    05/05/2023 06:34 pm
    John Luedke lit a candle and writes,
    Chris was the first person I met when I drove my U-Haul up to Wilmington Country Club from North Carolina. Soon after I arrived, Chris, returning from the Mini Tour in Florida was next through the door wearing that big smile igniting a friendship that has lasted 38 years. Chris was the best golfer I ever played with. Indelible memories of his remarkable hands hitting the impossible shot that became the norm...you expected it! As great a player Chris was, he was a better person. Even with his tremendous successes, nothing was ever about him. I will always have the countless great times shared with Todd and numerous mutual friends on the golf course, sporting events, out on the town, or just hanging at the house. I love you Dudie, you will be missed. Fare Thee Well my good friend.
    05/06/2023 08:31 am
    Paula Winchester Mutzel lit a candle and writes,
    I send my sincere condolences to the Anderson family on this sad loss of Chris. I knew him as a young boy at the Wilmington Country Club playing golf with my brother Hank and my great friend Jimmy Monkman. He and his brother Todd were the cutest kids...fun and full of all the happiness of life. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him and my thoughts are with his closest family members at this terribly sad time. Fondly, Paula Winchester
    05/07/2023 11:06 am
    Rick Tobar writes,
    Very sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. I knew him a bit as kids and he was always nice even to a younger kid like me. Condolences and prayers to all the Anderson family.
    05/07/2023 01:48 pm
    John Stella lit a candle and writes,
    Had the pleasure of golfing with him but more importantly hanging out and understanding what a truly good person he was. Shocked and saddended
    05/07/2023 07:02 pm
    Sam Waltz writes,
    My wife Sandi and I send our "Prayers for the Peace that Passeth Understanding" to Chris' family on the occasion of his untimely passing. I've known Chris in passing for 20 years or so, going back to when my office and his office were adjacent on Kennett Pike. We enjoyed a cordial friendship in passing, and I always found Chris to be kind, warm and considerate to all. He will be missed.
    05/08/2023 06:36 am
    Roni Young lit a candle and writes,
    I worked with Chris at Lyons Companies for over 20 years. He was one of the nicest, kindest gentlemen. My sympathy goes out to his family. He will be missed.
    05/08/2023 08:47 am
    David Ingram lit a candle and writes,
    Over the years, I played a number of rounds with Chris (aka Bert). He was such a great natural golfer and a really great guy! He always reminded me of a real life Chevy Chase (caddy shack). He’s left us too soon and will be missed by all. Prayers for Bert and his family. Sincerely, David and Sarah
    05/08/2023 01:06 pm
    Rosemarie Dodd Giroso lit a candle and writes,
    Loved Chris!
    05/08/2023 01:46 pm
    Wayne Ligato lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Harry and Family, My deepest condolences. Chris will be remembered by me and all that had the good fortune to know him as a fine gentleman. His golf prowess exceeded by his quality as a man. Sincerely, Wayne
    05/08/2023 03:41 pm
    Carl Everett writes,
    Chris will live forever in our hearts. I’ll never forget that club head waggle with his L-wedge.
    05/08/2023 03:44 pm
    Denis Chandler writes,
    Dear Gail and Family, I was crushed when Chad told me of Chris' death. I send my deepest and heartfelt condolences. Love, Denis Chandler
    05/08/2023 05:17 pm
    Bill McGuinness writes,
    I’m so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. I played many times with Chris. Two are particularly memorable. There was a Blue Hen Classic at Garrisons Lake. We both were playing well and Harry was watching the match. Naturally, Chris won. And I remember a GAP Father-Son. Just a wonderful memory with our Dads. God bless!
    05/10/2023 05:39 am
    Dr. Mandell J and the Honorable Mary Susan Much lit a candle and writes,
    Chris is one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. Aside from his success on the golf course, Chris was most proud of his family, especially his children. His engaging smile and easygoing demeanor made everyone smile and feel good! He was taken too soon from all of us, but especially his family! I do believe he is smiling down on us and telling us to remember him as he was. A truly special man! Hit ‘em long and straight and always make the putt! Amen brother
    05/10/2023 04:26 pm
    Dr. Mandell J and the Honorable Mary S. Much lit a candle
    05/10/2023 04:28 pm
    Tom Carpus writes,
    To the entire Anderson Family...my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God give you peace and strength in the days and months ahead. To my friend Chris...RIP. Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?"
    05/10/2023 07:36 pm
    Tom OMalley writes,
    I first met Chris when I started in the golf business at Wilmington CC many moons ago. Chris was incredibly welcoming, and little did I know he would be a friend for life. Never did I see him that he wouldn’t put a smile on my face. I had not seen Chris in a few years when we played Biderman last year and he didn’t miss a beat, still upbeat smiling and a pleasure to be with. He is missed, RIP my Friend.
    05/10/2023 08:10 pm
    Ginger Weiss lit a candle and writes,
    I’m deeply saddened to read about Chris’ death. But grateful to have known him. He was a remarkable board member of our Delaware Chapter of Variety, the Children’s Charity. And the Golf Buddy program, which he created and supported, continues today on a national level! Chris will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
    05/12/2023 10:44 am
    Ellen London lit a candle and writes,
    I didn't know Chris well nor seen him for a long time, but remember him fondly as a very nice man. My sincere condolences to his family and friends on the huge loss.
    05/14/2023 01:21 pm
    Scott Palmer lit a candle and writes,
    Chris was so much more than a champion golfer and the son of one of the Phillies legendary players. He was someone you could always count on. Chris was an early partner in Variety’s Golf Buddies. It was a commitment he maintained for his entire life. His eyes lit up and his winning smile grew wide whenever he was with his “buddy” Steve. How ironic that he left us in the same week as the PGA Championship, an event he qualified to play in during his life. As PGA Professional Michael Block won the hearts of golfers everywhere, I’m sure Chris had the best seat in the house cheering him on. We will miss you my friend
    05/21/2023 07:22 pm
    Meeghan and Bebe Carter lit a candle and writes,
    We are thinking of your family and our love and prayers go out to you . We are especially thinking of Lily and Harry as we know how much this is a void and full of sadness at this time . Your father was a remarkable man and made such a difference in many peoples lives. Again we are thinking of you and know that your Dad’s presence and love will be with both of you for a lifetime. God bless you and our prayers will continue for you and your family.
    06/11/2023 02:36 pm
    MaryJane Lang writes,
    Although I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Chris, very well, it was easy to see that he was dearly loved by his friends and family. Sending my most sincere condolences. Wishing you all peace, prayers, strength, and love at this difficult time, of such a sad loss.
    06/13/2023 08:26 am
    Caroline "Carrie" Dietz Mendez lit a candle and writes,
    So VERY sad to hear of Chris's passing. He and I were buddies in crime together at Friends, then at A.I. Dupont for our senior year. I have many fond memories of our hi-jinx together (skipping school, etc). Not the best tribute, but we were good friends. I pray that Chris is now with the Lord. Much comfort and blessings on you all.
    09/12/2023 01:56 pm

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