Brian Christenson of Palmetto, FL, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2021. Brian was born August 23, 1940 in Englewood, New Jersey, to Elmo C. and Kathryn (Goddard) Christenson. The youngest of three children, he was raised in Manhasset, where he graduated from Manhasset High School in 1958.
After serving in the Army stationed at Governor’s Island in New York Harbor, he enrolled in the University of North Carolina, and ultimately graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Brian began his career at Honeywell Computers
as a sales executive in New York. A skilled salesman, he transitioned to the clothing
business where he was National Sales Manager for a number of companies, including
Gant Shirtmakers, Polo Ralph-Lauren and Yves St-Laurent. Tiring of the commute
to New York City from their home in Fairfield, CT., Brian and his wife Deborah (née
Kurtz) decided to move their three young sons to Vermont where they purchased and
operated Tudhope Marine, a full-service Marina and boat brokerage on the shores of
Lake Champlain.
After selling the business in 1991, Brian and his family remained in Vermont,
their adopted home. He then embarked on the second leg of his sales career, selling
advertising for then Bell-Atlantic and ending his career with Verizon Communications
upon retirement in 2005. In his free time, Brian loved travelling and enjoying the
outdoors. He travelled the world with his friends and family and sailed the waters of
Long Island Sound, Lake Champlain, and beyond in a number of boats they owned
over the years. He also loved attending concerts and cruising the country in a bevy
of sports cars and motorcycles – too many to list. Brian will be remembered for his
intelligence, incisive sense of humor and infectious smile. He was always willing to
help those in need and more than ready to celebrate the success of those around him.
A friend to many, Brian was a warm and gentle presence and will be sorely missed
by all who knew him. Brian is survived by his sons and their families: William, Jean,
& Margot of New York, NY and Peter, Ali, Willow, & Claire of Chittenden, VT; brother
Dennis and sister-in-law Judy of Athens, GA and sister Karol Sweeney of New Port
Richey, FL; and nephews Kevin Sweeney of Goshen CT and Steven Sweeney of Boca
Raton, FL among many others. He is pre-deceased by his son Matthew. We wish him
fair winds and following seas… In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made toward the Brian
Christenson Endowed Scholarship at Hofstra University: www.hofstra.edu/giving
