Mr. Christian Kushay
February 4, 1960 ~ July 19, 2026
Born in:
New Haven, Connecticut
Resided in:
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Christian Kushay, 66, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at his home with his
loving wife by his side.
Born on February 4, 1960, in New Haven Connecticut, to the late Henry Kushay and Teresa
Zywocinski. As well as a beloved son and husband, Chris was a cherished cousin, in-law, friend
and co-worker to many.
Chris spent his formative years in Connecticut. He was proud to have been in the Amity
Regional Senior High School band as a percussionist playing the drums and marimba. His
passion for sailing the Long Island Sound earned him a varsity letter on the Amity team. Chris
also developed an interest in amateur radio receiving his FCC license while in HS. He had fond
memories of working at Connecticut radio stations WELI, WMMW, and WADS in positions of
production, broadcast engineer, announcer, newsperson, and disc jockey during his breaks
home from college.
His interests in history and politics landed him at George Washington University from which he
received a degree in International Affairs and Communication. He stayed on in Washington, DC
serving in intergovernmental positions for the United States Government for over 32 years.
Chris retired to Pinehurst, NC where he continued to enjoy his life long interests of amateur
radio and history by joining the Moore County Amateur Radio Society (MOCARS) and the
Moore County Historical Association (MCHA). Chris’s travels focused on historic sites and the
Florida coasts. He particularly enjoyed his immersion experiences in Historic Williamsburg, VA.
He was also a trivia expert and loved to watch Jeopardy.
Chris will be remembered for his intellect, story telling, and sense of humor; but most of all, his
devotion to his family. He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Susan; his cousins Greg, Alexa,
Cynthia (Stephen), and Justin (Amy); his in-laws Carolyn, Bret (Maria), and Karen (Richard);
and his niece Megan and nephews Kevin (Brittany) and Derek. He was preceded in death by
his parents, his step-father John Milazzo, and his niece Camille.
A Celebration of Life will be held this Fall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in
Chris’s name to the Moore County Historical Association at moorehistory.com or The Colonial
Williamsburg Foundation at colonialwilliamsburg.org.
Online condolences can be made at: PinesFunerals.com
Services are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Aberdeen, NC
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Chris! Fun loyal and dedicated. You were so good to us and loved your family and mom and country above all
Dear Susie,
My heart is truly broken over the passing of Chris, my brother, my mentor, and one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. There are simply no words that can fully express the sorrow I feel or the gratitude I have for the impact Chris had on my life.
From the day we met in 2007, Chris took me under his wing and selflessly shared his knowledge, wisdom, and passion for Emergency Management. He didn’t just teach me the profession. He taught me how to think strategically, how to lead with integrity, and how to serve something greater than myself. Much of what I have accomplished professionally is because Chris believed in me long before many others did.
One of the many things I will always hear in my heart is Chris saying, “Roy, we are creating and managing national level programs. Leave the small stuff to the other guys.” Those words shaped how I approach leadership to this very day.
I was blessed to call Chris more than a mentor. He was my brother. We shared countless conversations, laughs, challenges, and victories. I had planned to surprise him in Pinehurst after my trip to California. I never imagined that opportunity would be taken from me. That realization has been incredibly difficult to accept.
Please know that Chris’s legacy will live on through every person he mentored, every life he touched, and every Emergency Management professional who is better because of his leadership. He made this Nation stronger and made all of us who knew him better people.
Susie, may God surround you and your entire family with His perfect peace, strength, and comfort during this difficult season. We mourn because we loved Chris deeply, but we also rejoice knowing that for those who trust in the Lord, death is not the end.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Chris fought the good fight, finished his race, and left behind a legacy that will endure for generations. He will never be forgotten.
With my deepest love, prayers, and heartfelt sympathy,
Roy Jefferson Lampton
12607 Woodmore North Blvd
Bowie, MD 20720
(443) 603-3101
Dear Susan,
We are so sorry for the loss of Chris. We always looked forward to time spent with him. He was one of those rare people who was both funny and dynamic — a person whose personality lit up a room the moment he walked in. He had a gift for telling stories in a way that made every adventure, every trip, and every memory come alive. You never just heard about his travels; you felt like you were right there with him.
Chris lived an interesting life, and he shared it generously. He was pleasant and joyful to be around, and he never hesitated to help others — he simply showed up, no fanfare needed. Those qualities made him someone people genuinely enjoyed and trusted.
Susan, we know how deeply he loved you and how much he meant to your life together. Holding you and the rest of the family close in our thoughts during this difficult time.
With love and sympathy,
Portia and Eric
Ecks was an amazing man; one of a kind. He cared for everyone big and small. Dedicated national security expert. We will miss him.
The Washington Area Office
Gone too soon!
Thanks for everything you did for this country!
Pete
An American Patriot. Worked for many years behind the curtain keeping us safe. No matter how busy, he always took time to educate the next generation. I will always remember our conversations over morning donuts. I pray Susie finds comfort that only Jesus can provide.
Mike
One of a kind Gone way too soon. An energetic leader protecting this country. many years working alongside of Chris.
Bob R
FF
Truly one of a kind! I’m so sorry for your loss Susie – a kind and generous soul. He will be greatly missed. Chris always a ball of hustle and vigor and passion and unlimited energy for all kinds of things. I’m sorry to say I had lost touch with him as our respective government careers took us in different directions. Will keep good thoughts for you and will always have them of Chris. RIP brother.
Rest In peace.
#NYFO
Here is to John Manhattan!!
John Manhattan. Forgot all about that!
No day shall erase you from the memory of time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Chris will always be remembered for his positive energy, friendly and can-do-it attitude. He will be missed by all who knew him and had the pleasure of working with him.
Rest in peace, Chris.
Chris was a smart, lively individual. Each conversation would become an adventure. May he rest in peace.
I met Chris in 1993 when he joined our staff. He was an outstanding officer always willing to go anywhere, anytime he served our mission with such class and professionalism.
One of the brightest and funniest officers I ever had the pleasure to supervise. I never met Suzie but always recall him speaking highly of a person he was dating known to us as Suzie “Q”. What a wonderful man who will be missed by those that had the pleasure to know him.
RIP, an oustanding individual who was respected and greately apprectiated for his postive attitude and team attitude. You will be missed by many.
We are deeply invested in the health and wellbeing of this great nation and all of its citizens, especially those in government leadership.
We are seen as relics, out of control (because we have initiative), and generally not interested in office politics because we were too focused on protecting the constitution and the people charged with protecting it in perpetuity — dedicated members of a once elite group, those whose job it was/is to ensure this nation always has a way to keep our leaders connected and able to operate in contingency environments.
“X,” as he was known to many, was always light years ahead, working through problems from the second or third order effects of solutions not yet implemented. He lived in the future and shaped many lives both with his work and personally with his stories and anecdotes. Those of us who had the privilege of working with him, especially in the later years, all share one thing in common…we all have a special story, something that happened or was experienced while in his company, a unique X story.
I speak for the community and his peers in wishing his family condolences, comfort in this difficult time, assured that there is much love and support from all of [us] who’ve been through the gauntlet with him. I don’t believe that he’s left this world, just moved on to a different plane of existence where he’s already working his long hours to ensure everything works when it’s expected to.
Thank you, sir! It was truly an honor to have known and worked with such a special, talented, and passionate man who was truly dedicated to making this great country and its people resilient and powerful without interruption from those pesky adversaries.
Only the good die young.
So sorry to read this news of Chris’ passing. Condolences to Susan & family.
Worked with Chris during his first assignment in NYFO. Talk about energy & enthusiasm!
Chris visited our home numerous times for dinners and playing with our young children- not sure who had more fun, Chris or the kids.
RIP friend.
“The Lord gives strength to his people. The Lord blesses his people with peace.”- Psalm 29:11