Christopher Clay

Christopher Clay, 58, of Brooklyn, beloved son, father and friend, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday December 25, 2022 at his home in Brooklyn, N.Y.  Christopher was born on September 15,1964 in Mount Kisco, N.Y. to Edward and Katherine Clay. Christopher graduated from Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1989, making the Dean’s List every semester of the 5-year program and receiving the Matthew Del Guido award for design excellence.

Whatever Christopher did in life was done with passion: His love for making music that began with playing Jazz and Rock on the electronic bass in garage bands grew to a love for playing blues on his ukulele at home. Drawing was his greatest passion and part of both his private as well as his professional life. That can be seen in the complicated and intricate illustration art he made with Al Lorenz, to his wall to wall doodlings in the apartments of family and friends.

Christopher was an avid New York Mets fan. And like the 69 Mets, there was never a no-hitter in his professional life. It is here his passion for his work as an architect takes on monumental form. His work in historic restoration was acknowledged by the receipt of two Lucy Moses awards for excellence in historic preservation. His attention to detail combined with his unique understanding of structures come together and can be clearly seen in the intricate design work for the Ronan House that was built on the beachfront at the Jersey Shore and in the conservation and restoration work that he did on an iconic civil landmark, the Washington Square Arch, that continues to inspire and define the artistic and cultural heritage in New York City.
Most recently, Christopher had delved into managing a project for the NYC School Construction Authority, loving his role and bringing his integrity to it every day.

Christopher is survived by his parents Edward and Katherine Clay, siblings Edward F. Clay, Doreen Clay, Arthur Clay, Jill Bouhlev, and Andrew Clay, his former partner Tara D’Andrea and their two sons Alexander and Christian Clay.

His Family will gather with Friends on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the LIBBY FUNERAL HOME, 55 Teller Avenue, Beacon. A Buddhist Chant Blessing will be offered at 11:30AM and a Celebration of Life will be offered at 1PM then followed by a Dove Release Ceremony at 2PM outside of the Beacon Elks Lodge 900 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon. To offer a message of condolence or share a fond memory, please visit: www.LibbyFuneralHome.com

His Family wishes for memorial donation to be made to the Pratt Institute, Division of Institutional Advancement; 200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205.