Christopher Gladysz

Christopher Gladysz, a theater artist loved by audiences and community theater groups in the Hudson Valley and Connecticut, died in hospice on Friday, December 6th. He was 61.

Growing up in Burlingame, California, Christopher recruited friends to direct in various theatrical productions. He attended San Francisco State University as an acting major, and spent his summers at Couer d'Alene Summer Theater in Idaho, performing leading roles in many musicals.

In 1987, Christopher moved to New York City. A triple threat, he danced with American Dance Machine, took acting classes, and sang in vocal groups. He toured with Opera Northeast as a member of the ensemble and dance captain. In 1991 during productions of Oklahoma and South Pacific, Christopher met violinist Robert Zubrycki, who would become his husband and partner of 33 years.

Christopher's theatrical career included appearances on Law and Order and several soap operas. His love of theater took him around the country, performing on stages from Texas to New Mexico to Iowa to Albany and across the Southern U.S.

After he and Robert found a home in Brewster NY, Christopher shared his experiences, brilliant humor, and talents as a director and choreographer in local theater such as Musicals at Richter, Pawling Theater, Ridgefield Theater Barn. He became the beloved artistic director of The Brewster Theater Company, where he was featured on stage in many shows, directed and choreographed scores of productions, and designed the sets.

Christopher's unwavering devotion to the Brewster Theater Company community for 15 years has left an indelible impact. Christopher's passion for the arts, his big vision, and endless patience touched countless people. Many credit Christopher with some of the most fulfilling times of their lives. He brought out the best in people because he believed in everyone's talents. His eye for detail and enjoyment of the little things both on and off the stage encouraged the theater community to strive for excellence.

In addition to his theatrical life, Christopher was a Regional Administrator and Portfolio Coordinator for the Valuation and Advisory division of Newmark, formerly Landauer, working with the firm for over 30 years.

Christopher loved to travel, was an avid reader, and a passionate model railroad enthusiast. He was often found on the patio, near the koi pond, building HO scale models for his layout in the Model Train Pavilion, (formerly known as the garage).

Christopher did not let cancer define him. Over the past year and a half of treatments, he lived his life fully — performing, directing, working, until he couldn't.

He is survived by his husband, Robert Zubrycki, of Brewster, NY; his mother, Margaret Saul, of Greenbank, WA; his Father, Edward Gladysz, of Stockton, CA; his Brother Peter Gladysz and brother-in-law Paul Oknaian, of Phoenix, AZ; half-brother, Joseph Gladysz, of Stockton, CA, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.