Christopher J. Cherry, 54, of Worcester passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, March 19th in UMass Memorial Medical Center. Chris left behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and a legacy of passion for the things and people he loved most. He leaves his wife and soulmate, Cathi Anne Flock; his mother, Theresa A. (McGee) Cherry of Worcester; and a large group of extended family and friends from around the world, including his nephew, Kyler, and best friend, Keith Sheldon. He also leaves his two feline fur babies, Ashley “Ash” Joanna Williams and Buddy Love.
He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Robert W. Cherry, who predeceased him in 1991. He attended Leicester High School during the 1980s and later obtained his G.E.D. He also took a number of classes at Quinsigamond Community College. He had a vast knowledge of sharks, and was even able to join an observation team on occasion who were working out of Chatham.
Affectionately known as “Taz” by friends and coworkers over the years, he met many of his life-long friends while spending Friday nights at Skylite Roller Skating Rink in Worcester in his teens. He worked for several years at the (former) Worcester Centrum, then spent his remaining years in warehouse distribution centers throughout the area.
Outside of work, Taz lived life fully and unapologetically. He was a devoted fan of all things pop culture, with a deep love for KISS, Godzilla, Star Wars, and Transformers. His impressive collection of memorabilia, comic books and action figures reflected not just a hobby, but a true passion. He always enjoyed hunting for these treasures at area stores, flea markets, or going to That’s Entertainment! on Park Avenue in Worcester to see what had shown up.
Chris loved to relax and enjoy a good show or film in his free time. Some of his favorite shows through the years were The Office, Cheers, Quantum Leap, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Walking Dead, Frasier, The Masked Singer, Letterkenny, and Shoresy. He was always ready to dive into a good horror movie; some of his favorites were the Friday the 13th, Halloween, Terrifier, Evil Dead, and Nightmare on Elm Street franchises. Comedy was both love and lifestyle for him, with Warner Brothers cartoons, Monty Python, Saturday Night Live and its many spinoffs, David Letterman, the Marx Brothers, and anything with Robin Williams topping the list. He loved animated features as well, including many Anime series, Dreamworks, Pixar and Disney films, with Disney’s mischievous Stitch holding a special place in his heart. His all-time favorite film, Jaws, was very near and dear to him, as it was the last movie he watched with his father, a memory he cherished deeply.
Chris’s love of sports began early, playing hockey from the age of four and football throughout high school. He remained an avid sports fan throughout his life, proudly supporting the Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics. Known as “Chris in Worcester,” his voice was often heard as a caller on 98.5 The Sports Hub, sharing his enthusiasm and opinions with fellow fans. Besides local sports, he was also passionate about local and national politics and was a frequent caller who opined on current issues over the AM airwaves.
A man of many talents and interests, Taz enjoyed playing pool, archery, sword fighting, and axe throwing. He loved video games, especially if he could team up with others and turn it into a social event. In his mid-twenties, he was involved in a weekly public-access comedy show that was based in the Franklin area. He had a creative spirit and loved to draw, and his quick wit and memory for obscure details made him a natural at trading trivia. He also stepped into the spotlight as a semi-professional wrestler with Powerhouse Wrestling, where he met and even formed friendships with several people in the industry. A life-long pro wrestling fan, some of his favorites were The Road Warriors, Bret Hart, The Ultimate Warrior, Damian Priest, Penta, and The Undertaker. More recently, he discovered TikTok, and enjoyed meeting people through that medium, including his future wife, Cathi.
Music was an enormous part of Chris’s life. He was well known in the local music scene, performing as a lead singer with many local artists. His musical interests spanned genres, with some of his favorites including KISS, Motley Crue/Sixx A.M., Peter Gabriel, Extreme, Ozzy Osbourne, Queen, “Weird Al” Yankovich, Shinedown, Cinderella, Disturbed, Alter Bridge, Myles Kennedy, Def Leppard, Big Wreck, and Frank Sinatra. Over the years, he attended more concerts than he could even keep track of, starting with KISS before he was even ten. His ability to memorize song lyrics, vocal talents, and musical presence left a lasting impression on audiences and friends alike.
Chris loved a good meal. He knew plenty of good places to eat, and often spent late nights with good friends at the old Worcester Denny’s. He liked Italian, Chinese, and Japanese food a lot, his parents’ American Chop Suey, clam chowder (the real kind, not that Manhattan garbage!), a good pizza, chicken in many styles, corn, French fries, onion rings, and tater tots. Unless it was a coffee instead, a Coca-Cola was almost constantly in his hand. Snacks that he enjoyed included Doritos, Munchos, and Wachusett Sour Cream and Onion potato chips. He had a well-known sweet tooth, and especially loved chocolate treats – cupcakes, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and chocolatey ice cream were among his favorites.
Above all, Christopher was a man with a heart of gold. He was deeply loved by many, many friends, and will be remembered most for the joy and laughter he brought to others. When Chris was around, you were in good hands, because he would fiercely protect anyone who he cared about, or even an innocent stranger who had been put in harm’s way. He was the love of Cathi’s life – her soulmate, and their bond was one of true devotion and love. While their time here together was short, they loved one another enough for a lifetime’s worth. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on through the countless memories he created and the lives he touched.
Services are private, but a memorial celebration will be held at a later, yet-to-be-determined date to remember a beloved man who was truly larger than life.