Obituary of Christian Fenger

Christian Fenger of Old Lyme passed away on Saturday October 20, 2018 after a brief illness. Known by his family and friends as Chris, he was born on January 4, 1921 in Cambridge MA to the late Frederic Abildgaard Fenger and Katharine Lindsay Swift. He was predeceased by his wife Joan C. Fenger (Jan), and his sons Frederick C. Fenger and Charles R. Fenger. He is survived and dearly missed by his daughter-in-law Helene Fenger of Moodus and his grandson Jordan Fenger of East Hampton. Chris grew up in Norwell MA, and he later attended Cornell University (class of 1943) earning a degree in engineering. From 1943 to 1946 he served in the US Navy as an engineering officer. His engineering career led him to work at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, where he designed a cross-flow heat exchanger that was later patented.  Before he and Jan moved to Old Lyme they lived for many years in Old Saybrook where they were both very active in the community. One of Chris’s charitable activities was driving for ‘Friends In Service Here’ (FISH), a group of volunteers who provide medical transportation to those in need.  On weekends he often enjoyed sailing his Dyer dinghy and spending time with friends at the North Cove Yacht Club. Throughout his life he was an avid reader of history, current events and politics, and he enjoyed having lively discussions with friends and family. Chris will be remembered for his intelligence, his quiet and gentle nature, his generosity, and his kindness toward everyone he met. His family will also cherish the memory of him carefully setting up his extensive model train set under the Christmas tree every year…and the joy it gave him to share it. Arrangements are being made through Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook. Services are private. Please visit www.rwwfh.com for online tributes and condolences. Condolences for the family may also be sent to Helene Fenger, PO Box 687, Moodus CT 06469. Charitable donations in Chris’s memory may be sent to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, PO Box 804, Essex CT 06426.