Christopher M. Prothro

We are brokenhearted to share that our beloved son and brother, Chris, was taken from this life. He fought a courageous battle for his health and happiness. Today we are consoled by his love of family and friends, the endless memories of his ability to make us laugh, his great kindness and concern for others, and his continued bravery through an illness that took his life.

Chris was working towards a Ph.D. in Physical Therapy. He graduated from Bishop Guertin High School and Southern New Hampshire University. Chris was a swimmer, tennis player, boxer, and a gym rat. He studied acting on the side, challenging himself to grow beyond his introverted nature. Chris had so much potential and talent in life, but the battles he fought derailed him.

He was an unmistakable presence in a room, both for his height and engaging grin. Ever polite and gracious, Chris charmed people with his genuine interest in them. He had a perceptiveness and instinct about people that was startling. For a ‘quiet guy,’ his ability to express his thoughts, observations, and feelings in writing was remarkable. His interests were broad, and he conversed easily about current events, philosophy, science, and society. Chris was beloved for his ability to find humor from the most unique angles. He was born with a sweet goofiness and vulnerability that never left him.

In early adulthood, Chris experienced mental health challenges. We are infinitely proud of how hard he worked and how bravely he fought to maintain good mental health. Eventually, Chris developed substance use disorder and, crushingly, died by unintentional overdose. Chris shared the pain of this ongoing struggle with his family. He wanted so much more for himself. He never gave up—and knew we would never give up on him. Through it all, he remained a caring, kind, and sweet person. Chris died knowing he was loved, encouraged, and supported by his family.

Chris was the beloved son of David and Leslie (Carlson) Prothro, and the cherished brother of Katie Prothro. He was deeply loved by his grandparents, Robert and Susan Carlson, and Joe (deceased) and Dale Prothro. On his maternal side, Chris leaves behind his aunts and uncles, Stephen and Patty Carlson, Michael Carlson and Annie Fox, and cousins Courtney, Kenna, Christian, Carter, Lauren, and Morgan. Summer trips to the family cabin in Northern Minnesota, Vermont, Kiawah Island, Colorado, and other cherished locations were staples of Chris’s childhood.

On his paternal side, Chris leaves Kathy Prothro, Nelson Prothro, Mary Prothro, and cousins Reagan Lunn and Erica Green-Prothro. Family visits to Texas were an important part of Chris’s heritage. Though born in Texas and with deep roots in the Midwest, Chris was a lifelong New Hampshire resident.

We were privileged to be part of Chris’s life. He was a beautiful human being. We will continue to learn from him as we move forward in life without him. Rest in peace, Chris. We love you. We will be together again.

A private Christian service will be held in Rye, New Hampshire on April 5, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire in Chris’s name.