Christopher "CJ" Hessel

Christopher Joseph Hessel (CJ), 47, of Fairfield passed away suddenly on February 26, 2026. CJ was the loving husband of Nicole Verzaro Hessel. He was the BEST DAD EVER to daughters Harlee and Ryder. CJ was born March 18, 1978 to James and Patricia Ryan Hessel in Chicago, Illinois and was a lifelong resident of Fairfield.

A naturally gifted athlete with a strong work ethic, CJ was a star basketball player at Fairfield HS and went on to UCONN where he was a 3-year starter on the football team. As a recognized leader, he was elected as captain for his senior year. He spent most of his working life in the insurance and financial service business, and most recently as SVP at Alliant Insurance Services. CJ loved to be on the water, especially in his boat on the Long Island Sound, a hobby he has had since he was 8 years old. If he wasn’t on his boat or working on a project at home, he would be on his motorcycle. With all of his hobbies and interests, there was nothing that put a bigger smile on his face than being with his family and close friends.

In addition to his wife, children, and parents, CJ is survived by his siblings; Sara (Yanni) Taxiltaridis, Tricia (Nick) Cicogna and Jonathan Hessel. He also leaves his mother and father-in-law, John and Nancy Verzaro, and his brother-in-law John (Hanna) Verzaro II. He was also the much loved uncle to many nieces and nephews, a godfather to two and leaves countless cousins and friends. He will be immensely missed by all.

Friends and family may visit at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd. on Friday March 6 from 4-8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday 10AM at St.Anthony of Padua Church, 149 South Pine Creek Rd, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. Share a memory of CJ at www.spearmillerfuneralhome.com