Christopher Selden Pitt died peacefully on Christmas Eve with his family at his side. He was 71.
He was first diagnosed with cancer in December 2005 and enjoyed 10 years without experiencing significant challenges of the disease. That changed in 2016 when the cancer evolved. He fought valiantly for another seven years, never giving in to his illness. He was a model for many as he continued to do things that others in his circumstance might have given up. He accepted and rose to meet each new challenge that came his way, always supported by family and friends.
He was born April 19, 1951 in suburban Philadelphia, where he was also raised. He graduated from Episcopal Academy in 1969, Williams College in 1973 and Boston University Law School in 1976. At the beginning of the Covid pandemic, following his 50th high school reunion, he reconnected with his Episcopal Academy classmates and they met virtually on a weekly basis. These meetings gave him great pleasure during a time of relative isolation.
He filled his life with activities that he truly loved. He was a choral singer and participated in many groups over the years. He was a member of Chorus Pro Musica, where he met his wife Dottie; Boston Cecilia; Oriana Consort; and his church choir for most of his life. Many knew him for his passion for the outdoors, specifically hiking; he hiked all 48 4,000-foot peaks in N.H. and rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon.
His family vacations were spent in Franconia and on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. For 48 years, he vacationed on the Vineyard and particularly enjoyed time on Lagoon Pond in Oak Bluffs. Until he was no longer physically able, he played ultimate frisbee every Wednesday night and many weekends late into his life. Through these activities, he became closer to his family and ignited lifelong friendships, providing guidance and leadership throughout his experiences to all who participated.
He practiced law at Robinson + Cole LLP for close to 30 years. His area of expertise was analyzing complex real estate title matters. He was active in mentoring young lawyers and in the firm’s pro bono efforts, especially immigration asylum cases. He was a member of the Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts, where he served on its board, as chair of its Title Standards Committee and as its president. He received the Jon Davis Excellence in Professionalism award at REBA’s 2018 spring conference. He was also a member of the Abstract Club.
Chris is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dorothy (Dottie) Mead; his daughter Louisa Connaughton, her husband Blaine and their daughter Elizabeth; his son Philip Pitt; his daughter Martha Fortin, her husband Chris and their daughter Lucy; as well as his sisters and sister in law and their families: Polly Pitt Whiteside; Barbara Selden Lougée, her husband Lance and their daughter Chandler; Nancy Pitt Sands and her husband Gordie and their sons Zach and Alex; and Susan Mead and her partner Mike Perry.
Visiting hours will be held on Jan. 10 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First Parish in Milton. A celebration of life will be held there at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 11.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to a charity of your choice.
For updated information and to leave a tribute visit cspittmemorial.org.
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