Plan for the Future
Christopher R. Seelbach, 82, died peacefully on November 8, 2021. Chris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012 and since his diagnosis lived life fully with his family and friends and his trademark mix of boundless optimism, grace and humor. He is survived by his wife Linda and his sons Stephen (Joanna) and Jeffrey, as well as his beloved grandchildren Georgia, James, Charles, William, and Eloise. He is also survived by his sister Timothe Seelbach of Salem, Oregon.
Born on July 5, 1939 in Hamburg, NY, he graduated from Hamburg High School and attended the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 1961 with a BSEE and served four years in the Navy, including a commission as Radio Officer on the USS Wright. Chris received an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1967, and commenced a successful 50-year business career focused on consulting and technology. He initially worked at McKinsey & Co. in the aerospace, chemicals, and manufacturing sectors. After McKinsey, he worked in manufacturing as a CFO and then transitioned to technology, working with Exxon Enterprises serving on the boards of two technology ventures as well as President of Verbex Voice Ventures. He was COO and Director of Viatel Communications as well as COO and Director of Cognigen Networks. He was the founder of Seelbach Associates and remained passionate about his business ventures throughout his life.
Chris and Linda married in 1969 and moved to Short Hills, NJ, in 1978, where they raised their family.
Chris was a member of The Quogue Beach Club and the Short Hills Club, where he served as a Governor from 1988 to 1993. He was deeply involved with Community Congregational Church, where he served on numerous committees and the Board of Trustees, as well as Treasurer and Investment Committee Chair. In 2009 he developed and managed the redesign and replacement of the Church steeple to house a cell tower. He also worked on the project to install solar panels on the Church roof. For more than 25 years, he thoroughly enjoyed singing in the choir.
He had a passion for sports, particularly tennis, squash, skiing and sailing. He was an enthusiastic member of his clubs and an active supporter of his sons’ athletic endeavors, especially squash and soccer. In later years, he developed an interest in playing and watching golf.
A private service will be held to celebrate Chris’s life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chris’ memory may be made to: Quogue Wildlife Refuge, 3 Old Country Rd., PO Box 492, Quogue, NY 11959 or The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
