Christopher “Chris” Paul Lacey, 59, of South Hero, Vt., passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the McClure Miller Respite House.
Born on March 4, 1967, in Ilion, N.Y., to Shareen Humphrey and Paul Lacey, Chris spent his childhood in Baldwinsville, N.Y., before moving to Underhill, Vt. There, he attended Mount Mansfield Union Academy and served as senior captain of the wrestling team, earning the title of 1985 State Wrestling Champion. After graduating, he attended Essex Vocational School for electrical and apprenticed under Mike Ryan of Ryan Brothers Electric in Burlington. As a licensed master electrician, Chris founded CPL Electric Construction, LLC. He took tremendous pride in his work and built a loyal customer base through his reputation for craftsmanship, integrity and reliability. By all measures, Chris knew how to “light up a room” with his kind smile and ease in connecting with others; many of his customers went on to become lifelong friends.
Throughout his life, he had a deep love of the outdoors, from boating at Silver Lake, N.Y., to hiking the Sunset Ridge Trail in Underhill Center, Vt. He held many fond childhood memories alongside cousins at Grandma and Papa’s cottage, “Willow Rest,” in Perry, N.Y. Chris also had a knack for exploring history, especially learning about shipwrecks.
One of Chris’ greatest passions was motorsports. He enjoyed frequenting the Thunder Road racetrack, both as an enthusiastic spectator and as a talented race car driver himself. Chris built many of his own cars, alongside a devoted pit crew.
Chris was proud to be a devoted “Friend of Bill” for 24 years, embracing a recovery journey that changed not only his own life but also inspired and supported many others. He embodied redemption, growth and positivity: values that transcended into how he showed up as a cherished friend, family member and husband. Chris especially held dear the eight years he spent building a life in the Champlain Islands with his wife, Thereza “Tree” Cononi, and their beloved dogs, Tonka and Odie.
Chris was driven by an admirable work ethic, commitment to serving others, aptitude for fun — and affinity for sweet treats. He navigated life “full throttle,” and all who knew him were fortunate to be part of the ride.
Chris is survived by his wife, Thereza “Tree” Cononi; dogs, Tonka and Odie; mother, Shareen Humphrey, and stepfather, Owen Humphrey; brothers, Kevin and Patrick Lacey; nephews, Andrew Lacey, and Sean Lacey and fiancée Meadow Linderman; aunt and uncle, Bonnie Miller and predeceased Durwood “Woody” Lacey; and cousins, Danny Lacey and Shawn Strausbaugh. He was predeceased by his father, Paul Lacey.
We are grateful to the medical teams at the University of Vermont Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Mass General Brigham, DART(Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team) and South Hero Rescue for the love, support and encouragement through the last six years of Chris’ medical journey.
A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, Vt. Details will be shared via gofundme.com/chrislacey. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to South Hero Rescue and the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.
This article appears in June 24 • 2026.