My heart dropped when I received the call from my good friend Leti.
Let me back up to 2013, when I first moved back home to take a job opportunity at the St. Regis Hotel. I was nervous at first making new friends, but then I realized I was in a good spot once I met our little St. Regis gang (Chris, Natasha, Leti, Daniel and Andre). I remember working on Saturdays, twice a month, and I would think to myself, what am I going to do for 8 hours to myself? But then, I would see Chris down the hall with a big smile and my mood would change for the entire 8 hours. Chris and I would spend a lot of time talking about life and from time to time, we would order pizza. Some Sundays we would run into each other at LA Fitness to burn the pizza from the day before =)
My time with Chris and Natasha was always fun. We would always arrange game nights at their house, 4th of July festivities and BBQs. Chris always made sure we were comfortable whenever we got together.
Chris, I will always cherish our time together. You were a good friend and always made us laugh.
My thoughts and prayers are with Natasha, their kids, and Chris’ family.
-Gonzalo
Gonzalo Rubio
Boca Raton, FL
Posted: 10/21/2023
I will never forget hangin out with you and Mike. As formative a time in my life as any, you were a good friend and a great dude overall. It is all too heartbreaking to absorb right now, and words don’t do justice to the sadness of your not being amongst us, but I will always remember you for your general kindness and funniness, and as the solid man you were. God bless you Chris, your spirit and energy carries on in each and every one of us, and especially your beloved family and friends
With love always,
Max W
Max Weisman
Manalapan, NJ
Posted: 10/21/2023
I was working at the St. Regis in Miami at the same time as Chris and Natasha when I first met Chris. I thought to myself immediately "well, there's a dapper guy if I ever saw one!" He would stride down the executive floor hallway, so tall (an anomaly in South Florida!) head high, in a crisp suit, his hair always perfectly styled in place. He would smile and say hi to anyone that made eye contact, eminating a cheerful and helpful demeanor. He always maintained a both a sense of professionalism and ease about him.
When Natasha eventually joined the department I was in, our work environment became what can only be described as wonderfully fun and mischievous - just barely teetering across what was acceptable in that proper and stale corporate bubble we had to operate in. I remember Chris popping his head into our department's shared office space sometimes when he was walking down the hall, where certainly one of us in the closed room had made yet another joke and gone overboard with loud laughter that we could not contain. He would always come in shaking his head, rolling his eyes at Natasha & I (the usual suspects), but leave chuckle-sighing to himself. "Ay ay ayyyy!"
I will remember Chris as someone who was always kind and polite. He was really a "nerd" in some ways (but a cool one!) I would ask him things about computers or hacking or the future of technology, among others. He would light up and always answer eagerly, but never made me feel dumb for the question. It seemed like he always knew something about anything. I know he loved researching things and also loved the outdoors. Whether it was visiting with the feathered friends (the duck family) down the street with little Luca in the stroller, commenting on the beauty of the fall leaves turning color, watching the night sky light up with 4th of July fireworks over the Ft. Lauderdale airport runway sitting casually in a lounge chair, or taking in the peace of lakeside scenery. He deeply loved his boys and I know truly enjoyed feeding their curiosity about the world and modeling a "do it yourself-er" attitude. I know that in Natasha he found a partner that brought out a light hearted sense of joy, laughter, and spontaneity, among many other things that are overlooked but necessary in this life.
I will also always remember his newlywed dance at their wedding, how he worked hard to perfect his winning smooth dance moves even if it wasn't his forte, and spent the night stopping to graciously chat with everyone to ensure every person in attendance was having a good time. He was quick to throw his head back to laugh when something was funny, or put his hands in his pockets as if to pause time when something was worth remembering or ruminating on.
My last time seeing Chris, as the family and I gathered around the Milwaukee Public Market on my last day visiting, he absolutely insisted on not letting me go without trying some of these "AMAZINGGGG" chocolate cookies from one of the bakeries inside. Despite being short on time to catch my train ride back to Chicago, he purchased some to take back with me in a go bag as I dashed out to the station. True to word, it really was one of the best cookies I ever had.
To Chris' family, and to Natasha and Logan and Luca: your son, your husband, your Dad, and your best friend left an indelible mark. I hope profoundly that you find peace, comfort, and respite in these collective good memories Chris left us, and more importantly, how he made those around him feel who had the chance to know him.
Rest in peace, Chris.
Letizia Pallozzi
Miami, FL
Posted: 10/20/2023
Natasha and "Little Fellas". Getting to know Chris over the last couple years I know that he loved his family very much and he had a big heart. I pray that God's love, grace and warmth surrounds your family now and through the healing times. Chris is missed.
Rich Gnat
Brookfield, WI
Posted: 10/20/2023
Natasha and "Little Fellas". As I got to know Chris over the last two years, I saw how deeply he cared for his family. I extend to you my most heartfelt sympathy and wishes of healing. Chris is being well taken care of and is still in our hearts. I pray that God's warmth and peace surrounds and comforts you.
Rich Gnat
Brookfield, WI
Posted: 10/19/2023
Natasha, Luca, Logan, and family. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Chris was a great coworker and friend but I'm sure he was an even better husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. Chris' smile was infectious and will be the vision I carry with me.
Bart Woyak
Plover, WI
Posted: 10/17/2023
To my best friend, Chris.
I will never forget the memories we created growing up together. Living up the street from one another, I knew you’d always come riding your bike up to my house, and our next adventure would begin. We were the prime definition of neighborhood buddies.
Defining a best friend at this age is difficult- but our friendship was pure; built on trust, loyalty, and good old fashioned neighborhood fun. At the end of the day, I knew I can always count on you for anything.
Even going years without seeing each other, I knew I can always pick up the phone to call you, and we’d pick up right where we left off: just two neighborhood buddies.
These happy times are forever ingrained in my heart, and I will truly miss you- I will not go a day without thinking about the good times we had together.
Rest easy my friend, my buddy, my brother.
Michael Karpf
Metuchen , NJ
Posted: 10/16/2023
I am so sorry for your loss Natasha and all other family. Chris was a good friend of mine and is missed. I miss his smile and his humor. He cared deeply for myself and many others. He loved his boys and especially Natasha. May God bless all of you. In the case of Chris…. He is in eternal happiness in Heaven along side God and his son Jesus.
Tony Stokman
Menomonee Falls, WI
Posted: 10/16/2023