Christopher David Illick (Kit) was born in Bethlehem, PA on March 21, 1939, and died peacefully on May 28, 2013 in Vero Beach, Florida, having been surrounded by his adoring family. Kit was the loving husband to Selden Dunbar Illick, devoted father to Hilary Selden Illick and Christopher Dunbar Illick, involved grandfather of eight grandchildren, Zo, Esm, Nico, and Ta Valette, Thor, Cyrus, Kit, and Dwyer Illick, and proud father-in-law to Pierre Valette and Alison Ambach Illick.
Born to Margaret Flexer Illick and Joseph Edward Illick, Kit was the third of four boys. He is survived by his three lively and kind brothers, Joseph, Flexer, and Tom Illick, and his dear first cousin, Marty Walzer. Raised in Coopersberg, Pennsylvania, Kit went to college at Trinity ('61) where he was a member of St. Anthony Hall. He earned his law degree the University of Virginia ('64), then worked as an investment banker in New York City while raising his family in Princeton, New Jersey. His inspired second home, the Lower Farm in North Dorchester, New Hampshire was a sanctuary to family and friends. Kit retired in Vero Beach, Florida with his wife, Selden, in their beloved Riomar community.
Kit was a graceful, gifted athlete, passionate about tennis and squash, and in his recent years, golf. His love of music and his expressive dancing style were contagious. Kit treasured his friends, and displayed a remarkable ability to champion others. He was truly generous with his insight, kindness, and attentive enthusiasm for the lives of those he loved. Kit will be remembered for his warm engaging smile, his captivating blue eyes, his infectious laughter, and superb sense of humor. He will be deeply missed.
Kit had Alzheimer's Disease, and chose to donate his brain to AD research. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Dr. Bradford Dickerson Dementia Research Fund, Mass General Development Office, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114; or to: Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation, 57 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 or to the VNA Hospice House at 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 8th, 2013, at The Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, PA.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, FL. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.