A wonderful father, dear husband, adored brother and son, respected and revered colleague, devoted friend, compassionate veterinarian, avid cyclist, incredible skier, and gifted artist, Nat Fenollosa died peacefully at home on Feb. 23, 2014 after a courageous 2 ½ year journey with glioblastoma. Nat lived his life to the fullest and even while he was sick, shared his love, found joy and pursued his passions.

Nat was born April 1, 1970 in Concord, New Hampshire and grew up in Hopkinton, New Hampshire with a love of the outdoors—spending winters skiing and skating and his summers sailing in Annisquam, Massachusetts. He attended St. Mark’s School and Colby College, where he earned a B.S. in biology. He earned his D.V.M. at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, and became a board certified veterinary cardiologist after an internship and residency at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. He practiced exceptional medicine at Shoreline Veterinary Hospital in Shelton, where he was known for his patience and compassion with the animals and families for which he cared.

Nat made his mark on the world through his kindness and generosity. Even during treatment for cancer, he continued to ride his bike to raise money to support cancer research. In 2012 between chemo cycles, he rode 200 miles to raise funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in the Pan Mass Challenge. In 2013, he created the Fenollosa Flyers team and rode to raise money for Smilow Cancer Hospital where he was treated. Throughout his life, Nat strove to excel at whatever he did; his commitment to leading an extraordinary life even throughout his extended illness was an inspiration. His gentle, thoughtful nature, sense of humor and inquisitive mind, combined with a fierce sense of determination will be sadly missed. Throughout his illness his mantra was “Proud. Brave. Strong.” His confident, optimistic attitude will provide his surviving friends and loved ones with courage and strength.

Nat is survived by his beloved wife Amy and two sons, Charlie and George of Guilford. He leaves behind his parents Lyn and Bill Fenollosa of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, his adoring brother Josh and his family of Arlington, Massachusetts, a large extended family, and many, many friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Nathaniel K. Fenollosa Fund, established at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to provide support to children with families affected by cancer, at www.cfgnh.org/Give/OurFunds/tabid/184/Default.aspx or donations may be sent to the Nathaniel K. Fenollosa Fund at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, 70 Audubon Street, New Haven, CT 06510.