Christopher Robert Barnhardt

BRANDON:

Christopher Robert Barnhardt

October 28, 1962 — September 14, 2025

Christopher (Chris) Robert Barnhardt of Brandon, Vermont was born on October 28, 1962 in Bennington,

Vermont. Chris passed away peacefully September 14, 2025. He was 62 years old.

Chris’ tenacity for sports could be seen at a very young age when he played Little League. He played with the

same intensity during his baseball and wrestling days. After high school, Chris played in the minor leagues and

challenged himself on the golf course, pursuing that hole in one. Chris was always fun loving, making his family

smile and laugh. Family values were extremely important to him. We spent many holidays, summers and

vacations together. Chris had a passion for life and the great outdoors, grabbing every bit of gusto he could. His

annual hunting and fishing trips were a highlight, and nothing made him happier than being out on the lake

with his trusty Bass Tracker, sun on his face, and a fishing rod in hand. Chris loved those peaceful moments

saying it was the best therapy a man could ask for. Now the fish can finally rest easy knowing Chris won’t be

around to catch and release them anymore.

On his daughter Alyssa’s last trip home, she proudly caught her biggest fish ever with Chris right there, offering

his trademark “dad advice” and coaching her all the way into the net. His spirit and those memories will always

ripple across the water he loved so much.

Chris’ love for adventure was just as important as his dedication and the love he had for his family. Chris was

the son of Shirley Ann (Farnum) Barnhardt and the late Robert (Buster) Arthur Barnhardt of Bennington,

Vermont. His mother would say how proud she was of him. He was always there when she needed help, fixing

things, sharing lunch, or just making her laugh. Every Memorial Day, he brought flowers to hang on her front

porch, a tradition the neighbors came to look forward to year after year. She would say how he had a sweet

tooth too—every day he’d stop by the candy bowl, insisting he didn’t eat candy….. as he grabbed a piece with a

big grin. Those little moments showed his humor and his big heart. Before he left us, his final words to his

mother were, “see you later,” and she likes to believe he meant in heaven, where Grandma Farnum was waiting

to welcome him. His mom loved him dearly, and we know he loved her. Her heart will miss him always, but she

will carry his kindness, laughter, and love with her forever.

Chris graduated from Mount Anthony Union High School. After high school, Chris started his family and had

three wonderful children: Christopher Barnhardt Jr. of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Alyssa (Barnhardt)

Charles of San Diego, California and Jeffrey & (Jay) Barnhardt of San Diego, California. He has one grandson,

Brody Barnhardt who lives in Bennington, Vermont.

Chris always worked hard at everything that he did. He had a work ethic beyond comparison. On the coldest of

days and the hottest of days and everything in between, you would find him working on roofs for Vermont

Roofing. He then gained valuable experience and construction skills working with the Freeman family.

Because of these opportunities, Chris started his own business, Barnhardt Construction. He took pride in his

work and wanted to give joy to homeowners. Chris would also lend a helping hand and provide his expertise to

friends and neighbors.

Chris married Alexandria (Alex) Pinizzotto on March 10, 2009. Their love story began when Chris was working

on a water leak in Alex’s house. Chris would come home and tell us about “the stewardess” all the time. We

knew it was just a matter of time before they would fall in love. Together they built a life they both cherished,

sharing their love of travel, adventure, and fishing. You know it is pure love when your husband is excited to

give you not one, but two stuffed fish you caught as a surprise birthday gift. Chris and Alex have two sons:

Hunter Brandon Barnhardt and Ryan John Barnhardt. All of Chris’ children were his pride and joy and he

loved watching them grow up. Chris was the ultimate Kool-Aid Dad, Mr. Mom, and grill master. He was always

doing something with his family. He was very proud of them and was dedicated to making their lives better.

Hunter deeply loved his dad and was always there for him-whether it was giving rides to school, heading to

practices and games, hunting, fishing, swimming, or building the famous Barnhardt ice rink every year. He

admired how his dad was always early and never late, a trait that left a lasting impression on him. Hunter took

great care of his dad and did everything his dad ever asked of him, always with love and respect. He is grateful

for all the “dad advice” shared over the years and promises to carry those lessons forward, giving 100% in his

dad’s honor.

Many wonderful memories are shared with his three sisters and (brother-in-law’s): Kimberly Waite & (Don) of

Benton, Maine; Deborah Santostefano & (Louis) of Middletown, Connecticut; Darcy Lindamood & (Scott) of

Honolulu, Hawaii. Memories include roaming the woods and mountain streams around our John Street home

and playing with the neighborhood kids at my Grandmother Farnum’s house on Rollin Street. Even though

Chris was younger, he always kept up. We played football in the snow, baseball, kickball, kick the can, and hide

and seek. He was so popular that when we built a clubhouse, the password was Critchit, his beloved nickname.

Some older memories include helping Chris by driving him to the Mount Anthony Country Club so he could

run for hours so he could make weight for his wrestling team and to teach him how to drive and to be his

biggest fans during his sporting events and just being there for him because he was our brother. We will miss

our chatty Kathy chats and the comfort he always gave us. All us sisters love our brother dearly and we are also

proud of the amazing father he was. We will always cherish our childhood memories.

Adored by their Uncle Chris, Ericka and Joshua Waite, Sarah Jasman, and Lilly Lindamood loved spending

time with him. He was always a great talker. He would listen without judgment and offered sage advice. Their

hearts are full of loving memories and the love he had for each of them. Chris was also Great Uncle to Abbie

and Stella Donahue-Beard; Everleigh Waite; Claire, Dylan, Blake and Wyatt Jasman.

His knowledge and life experience made him cherished by the whole family. The outpouring of love from

people who knew him is a testament to how he lived his life.

Chris had two sisters-in-law: Leslie Pinizzotto of Denver, Colorado and Prudence Adams of Gainesville, Texas.

Chris had another brother-in-law: the late John Pinizzotto of Fort Worth, Texas as well as his mother-in-law

Diane and father-in-law Stephen Pinizzotto of Los Angeles, California. Chris also leaves behind a daughter,

Kirsten Atkins of Burlington, Vermont.

A celebration of Chris’ life will be held at Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon, Vermont on September

22 at 12:00 noon. All are welcome to attend. Those wishing may pay their respects from 11 AM until the time of the service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of the love Chris shared with so many, the family welcomes your favorite

memories of him. For those who wish, donations in Chris’s memory may also be made to the family.

Chris lived his life to the fullest and wanted us to follow his example. We will miss you dearly Chris. Until we

meet again, we hope there is a stocked lake in heaven, and you are spending your days fishing with a coffee.

Love you with all our hearts. Written in loving memory by Chris’ family.