Christopher Lynn Maloney obituary

#MiddleburyCT #Obituary

Husband, uncle, friend
Christopher Lynn Maloney, retired senior transportation engineer for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, passed peacefully at home Friday, January 16, 2026, just weeks before his 90th birthday – in a strategic move to save on candles.

Christopher was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on March 13, 1936, to the late Christopher C. and Evelyn (Lawlor) Maloney. He attended Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, and later studied advanced topics at University of Connecticut and University of New Haven. After the Flood of 1955, which devastated the Naugatuck Valley, Chris joined ConnDOT to support the reconstruction. While rebuilding in Torrington, he met the love of his life and future wife, Joan Carol (Kuchta) Maloney. For their first date, Chris took Joan to Litchfield, where they dined at the Westleigh Inn and then saw a play at the Litchfield Playhouse. They married in May 1967 at St. Mary’s Church in Branford. All three buildings have since burned down.

Chris and Joan enjoyed summering in Rhode Island, where he taught nephew John Michael how to rake for clams in the salt pond. They also enjoyed several warm winters in Florida with close friends. Chris loved trotting the globe. Along his journeys, he and Joan enjoyed danishes in Copenhagen, visited all five Hawaiian Islands, sailed down the Danube and around Alaskan glaciers. In Costa Rica, he even witnessed the Resplendent Quetzal – a life-list item for any birdwatcher. He also loved reading, especially mysteries and thrillers, always keeping at least three open at a time. He is remembered as gentle, kind, and a good neighbor and a good man – not to mention a witty guy.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Joan, and his nephews, Richard Kuchta of Sharon, Connecticut; John Michael Kuchta of Los Angeles, California; and Matthew Kuchta of New Milford, Connecticut, although there is some controversy as to which one is most handsome.

The family would like to thank his caring and generous neighbors, the Caseys and the Posas, for their friendship and support.

Calling hours were held January 23 at Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Middlebury. A spring burial will be held in Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury.

Contributions: For several years, Christopher has supported Connecticut Food Share, whose mission he found especially compelling. Charitable contributions in his memory may be directed to Connecticut Food Share.

For more information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.brooksidememorial.com.