Mr. Lawrence G. (Chris) Bannon died Dec. 7, 2024. Chris was born on Dec. 15, 1936, in Norfolk, to Martin J. Bannon and Elizabeth G. Bannon. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Martin J. Bannon Jr., his sister, Myrtle B. Wills, and his partner, James A. Wells. Survivors include James’ daughter, Allison Wells and her wife, Karen Hansen, James’ brother, Ed and his wife Diane, four nephews, two nieces, a clan of Irish cousins, and a multitude of friends.
In 1951 he enrolled at Holy Cross Seminary Prep School in Dunkirk, N.Y. He returned to Norfolk and graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School in 1954. After a few years working for C&P Telephone Company, he entered the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ and was professed a lay brother in 1958, when he took the name Christopher.
He worked at Saint Paul’s Retreat House in Pittsburgh, Pa., Holy Family Retreat House in West Hartford, Conn., and later edited “Sign Magazine,” among other assignments in his 25-year career. After leaving the Passionists, he and James opened Sea Gate, a bed and breakfast in Cape Charles that welcomed numerous visitors and future residents to the town for three decades.
In 1992 he was elected to the Cape Charles Town Council and served for 25 years — 12 years as vice mayor. His many volunteer and fundraising activities supported St. Charles Catholic Church, the Cape Charles Memorial Library, and the Citizens for Central Park. He regularly volunteered with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Welcome Center.
A mass will be offered at St. Charles Catholic Church on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m., after which his ashes will be interred in the church’s columbarium. There will be a reception at the parish hall following the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Citizens for Central Park, the Cape Charles Public Library, or the Cape Charles Museum.
Chris’ life was centered around service to others, and he was blessed with the love, friendship, and gratitude of those whose lives he touched.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
