In Loving Memory of Christopher “Chris” Gino Arditi

Christopher “Chris” Gino Arditi, a vibrant soul who graced us with his presence, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2023, at the age of 48 in Yonkers, NY. His untimely departure has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled. Chris is survived by his two cherished daughters, Julia Grace, and Olivia “Livvy,” along with their mother Jennifer. He is also survived by his mother Mary (Bruno) Arditi, his siblings Susan Arditi Adams (Edward), George, John, Laura, Jessica Collins (William), Brian (Maureen), Kristen Hernandez (Jossua), twelve nieces and nephews, and his faithful canine companion, Buddy. He is predeceased by his father George Arditi and brother-in-law, Joseph Knott.

Chris was a multifaceted individual who played many roles in life - a loving father, a devoted son, a caring brother, a doting uncle, a guiding mentor, and a cherished friend. His boundless creativity and adventurous spirit led those close to him on remarkable journeys, whether exploring breathtaking, epic trail hikes with majestic vistas, finding hidden European towns for an incredible cup of espresso, stargazing from car rooftops, or diving into literature, videos, and documentaries that broadened our horizons. Chris's zest for life was infectious, and we are grateful to have shared in his adventures.

Born on June 23rd in Yonkers, NY, Chris was the fourth of eight siblings. His greatest joy in life was his daughters, and their accomplishments fueled his every day. He found immense fulfillment in witnessing their growth through all stages of life. Chris was never one to shy away from a challenge, whether it was competing in a tie contest at Holy Child's Father-Daughter dance, taking on outfitting a sailboat to lose the sail on its maiden voyage or embarking on a four-day hike to conquer the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite.

A self-taught polymath, Chris possessed an insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He started his own business more than 32 years ago, a testament to his determination and entrepreneurial spirit. When he wasn't busy learning to fly, hiking, boating, or jet-skiing, he could be found meticulously selecting the freshest, wholesome ingredients to craft unforgettable meals for his loved ones. His dedication to perfecting his pasta-making skills and infusing flavors from his travels into his feasts was legendary, often spending more than four hours per meal to create culinary experiments.

With a discerning eye for design and a commitment to excellence, Chris dedicated countless hours to crafting ingenious solutions for complex challenges at work and creating unique gifts for family and friends. He had a rare gift for transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary learning experiences, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His investment in teaching soft skills and fostering personal growth extended beyond his family to colleagues and friends from all walks of life, who can attest to the profound impact of his cerebral debates and mentorship.

In the end, Chris was a simple man with a complex taste for life. His brief time among us touched many hearts, reminding us to seize the day, take chances, stay true to ourselves, appreciate the world and its people, and love deeply, for tomorrow is never guaranteed.

All are welcome to pay their respects to Chris's family during his wake at Westchester Funeral Home in Eastchester on Wednesday, September 27, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held for friends and family on Saturday, September 30 at 12:00 pm at The Hudson House & Distillery, located at 1835 Route 9W, West Park, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the education of his two daughters, Julia Grace, and Olivia via Venmo @juliaandoliviascholarship or via check made to Kristen Hernandez with memo: Julia & Olivia. Mail to: 247 Westchester Ave. Crestwood, NY 10707. Let us come together to honor Chris' memory by ensuring a bright future for his cherished children.