Christopher Masse passed away unexpectedly July 2, 2026, following complications from a medical emergency. He was 49.
Chris was born July 14, 1976, in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, to John and Peggy Masse. As a child, he could be found catching every creature imaginable and building tree houses in the woods behind his family home.
After moving to Middletown, he formed lifelong friendships and cherished watching his beloved Chicago Bears with his father whenever they could catch the games locally. Chris found joy and freedom in surfing with his friends, creating memories on the water that remained close to his heart throughout the years.
Chris worked on Wall Street for more than 20 years and lived in Hoboken, where he met his beautiful wife, Jennifer. They eventually made their home in Atlantic Highlands. He embraced fatherhood with joy and devotion. Although his time with his precious daughter, Olivia, was far too short, the generosity, kindness and unconditional love he shared with his family and friends will live on through her. His compassion and caring nature touched countless lives, and those who knew him will forever remember the warmth, humor and goodness that were at the core of who he was.
Of all the roles Chris held in life, his favorite was being Olivia’s daddy. Whether they were kicking a soccer ball together outside and even through the kitchen, watching her pick the ripe tomatoes and jalapeños from the backyard garden he lovingly planted each year, exploring together in search of rocks and sticks, rescuing the occasional “buggy” around the house in the “bug saver” and releasing it outside, or having Olivia help peel garlic and onion skins while he prepared the meals he loved to cook, these moments brought him immense joy. Cooking was one of Chris’ greatest passions, and sharing those moments in the kitchen with his little girl made them all the more special.
Though their journey together ended far sooner than anyone imagined, these cherished memories will forever be treasured by Jennifer and Olivia.
Chris is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer; his beloved daughter, Olivia; his mother, Peggy; his sister Nicole and her husband Tom; as well as cousins, aunties, uncles and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his father, John.
Family and friends paid their respects during a viewing July 9 at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank. A funeral Mass was celebrated July 10 at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Atlantic Highlands.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the ASPCA in honor of Chris’ lifelong love of animals.
The love he gave, the lives he touched and the memories he created will remain in his family’s hearts forever.
The article originally appeared in the July 16 – 22, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
