Chris J. Ciampa

Chris and I were on the same hall freshman year at Wesleyan, and I only knew him as the roommate of two friends I would regularly visit to listen to music and smoke together. I remember this big wild-eyed guy, who had decorated the ceiling of his room with forks he had stolen from Mocon dining common and painted the three colors of the Jamaican flag. It actually spelled out something, I don't remember what. But he seemed distant and like someone I would never know, showing up peripherally after spending time with football players on the other side of campus. Before long, we were hanging out, and then roommates, and then started a band together. We drove cross country together, I connected with his family. After college we lived together in NYC. He had become my favorite dude. We piggybacked on each other to look into the window to see Dizzy in some club in the village, we were feet away from Nelson Mandela's triumphant motorcade. We shared just about everything. He would say things to me like, "Be excellent," something I still carry. But not and never preachy, just gently righteous. I observed his path, his relationships, some real struggles. Through everything I witnessed, he was possibly the most gracious and humble man I've ever known. He is the most admirable friend I can think of. Years later, we were even robbed at gunpoint together. I completely wimped out and froze. He fought back and was knocked back into his chair, because his laptop with his screenplays was that precious. In the aftermath, not only did he work with the police on the case, but he managed to identify the guys, put at least one behind bars, and recovered his laptop. Truly heroic. And the thought of him out there wielding this heroic love, in the service of art, of children, of students, of folks in need, of family, has buoyed my faith in humanity over the years, has kept me smiling. Even now I am somehow feeling more warmth than sadness when I think of him, and hear his tender voice, of limitless depth, like the man. Boundless love and thanks, my man.

He was my friend from a young age.

I’m not exactly sure how we met but from the age of 18 years old he was always in my life. Sometimes in the forefront and sometimes on the peripheral, but a constant in my life. Dependable, reliable, solid. As he was to everyone.

Chris was a rock. He set the bar.

Born into a wildly talent and creativity family, my friend Chris would inherit that gene as well. His mom, Joanna Lee, was a trailblazer in Hollywood: an actress (she was in Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space) and Emmy award winning director. His brother, Craig Lee, was the famed lead man of the punk band “The Bags”. And Chris became a successful child actor conveying deep emotion; those big soulful eyes. (click on the video, you’ll see 😉)

He could sing you an aria with a silky voice that would have made Paul Robeson jealous. He could recite a Shakespeare sonnet at the drop of a dime, or discuss the extraordinary creative beauty of quantum physics with renowned scientists, and was a hell of a rugby player in high school.

A true renaissance man.

A graduate of Wesleyan University he decided to continue his education landing a master at Rochester School of Tech to work as a digital visual effects designer working on huge blockbuster films. At one time I had heard that though he had the opportunity to go to New Zealand to work on The Lord of The Rings trilogy, he turned it down. His son had just been born and he did not want to go away. He put others first, and at the height of his Hollywood career he decided to do a complete 180.

He became a high school teacher in Compton.

Chris was always for the underrepresented or disenfranchised. He knew that was where he could do the most good and make the world a better place. While the pay cut moving from a Hollywood income to a teacher’s salary was likely significant, it wasn’t important to Chris. His great fortune in life would come from helping others and shaping young people’s lives. He started a slam poetry team for his students that became so popular that one parent felt so inspired by Chris she wrote a story line in her show Better Things just so that Chris could be in it as a poetry teacher. He was truly a beloved teacher and on his last official day of teaching…

He received a standing ovation from all of the students and faculty. I can only imagine the ripple effect he has had education our youth.

However, with all his accomplishments easily his proudest achievement was his son, Craig. Chris would light up every time he spoke of him and you could feel the love bursting from his heart.

As the years grew on, we’d meet each other, right where we were. Sometimes in the lowest of lows and other times flying high. But we met. And there was always a warm embrace with loving eyes. Never judgement. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’d ever heard a judgmental word come out of his mouth (unless it was in regards to politicians or corrupt government). Chris was love. It was all he ever wanted, and all he ever gave.

He cared about the world and put himself right in the center for change. Whether it be participating in the AIDS LA walk every year with his son to honor his brother’s passing, advocating for climate change (the ocean was a sacred place for him), or creating computer software to help pregnant teenage moms graduate from high school.
I learned this week that my friend Chris had passed away. He was 55.

His light was bright. The brightest.

He leaves a void that can never be filled. Like the irreplaceable grandparent who shaped you, or the first love that broke you, Chris will live forever in our hearts.

An extraordinary human being and one of my most beloved witnesses I had in this life.

Love you Ciampa, and I’m grateful as hell that you were in my orbit.
Xo
L.

*My heart goes out to all the Ciampa clan.xox

IN MEMORIAM VIDEO HERE: http://vimeo.com/lauraniemi/chrisciampa

I just found out about this now…Chris will be missed by his friends from John Thomas Dye (elementary school)…

I just learned of Chris' passing. My heart is heavy and bereft. It wasn't that long ago that he and I had a long conversation on the phone about his new life in Florida, working with blimps and aerial imaging. I now realize he and I did not talk nearly often enough.

CC had a huge impact on me ever since I met him on our freshman dorm hall at Wesleyan University in 1986. He introduced me to music I hadn't known of, and various other pleasures, and we eventually formed a reggae/rock band that Chris named, Scooby Doo. It saddens me to think that now, we will never get the "band back together", but perhaps, having left his earthly shell, he is free to sit in with me wherever music is being played or heard. One of the first times we hung out, he introduced me to Peter Tosh's Mama Africa album, as we trod all over the Wesleyan campus at midnight in the moonlight, with him wearing the left earphone of his Walkman, and me wearing the right one. Another memory, of the many I will always cherish, is when Chris and I were visiting Wesleyan the year after we graduated, and I woke up on someone's sofa, with Chris sitting a few feet from me, and he said good morning and read me a sweet poem he wrote about me while I was sleeping. Here is a verse from "The Deal", one of the songs Chris wrote for Scooby Doo:

"And when the dealings are done
And the cats jump into the swelling sun
I hope to find you with a smile on your face

And you just can't hang around
When I'm singing my songs and spinning around
But that's what I like to do, so I'll go some other place"

RIP, Chris. Keep singing your songs and spinning around, and I'll see you on the inside of that swelling sun.
Love,
Flacks

It’s hard to imagine you gone, Chris. You lived life with so much enthusiasm and gusto. You were a friend to anyone who needed one. You helped me with art projects, just because I needed a hand. You were a great and loving dad. You loved well and were deeply loved in return. And you were so smart. And so funny. How is that energy extinguishable? Honestly, I don’t think it is. You are part of the joy in this world, whenever joy is to be had. I’m looking forward to making some silly frou-frou drink and chocolate cake for you again when we have that chance to meet elsewhere.

It feels impossible to sum up the impact Chris had. It was a joy to watch him live. He accepted people for who they were wherever they were in life. Sometimes this had him literally on the floor playing Barbies.

One of my favorite memories was when he taught Rose how to fly the Superman kite. The pictures aren’t very clear because they were having so much fun! The one where he’s running behind holding the kite up, and then releases it to let her experience it flying is a poetic representation of how he supported those he loved. Chris cherished his friends, students, family, and especially Craig. My prayers and love go out to you all.

The world is a better place because Chris was in it. Mission accomplished, my friend.

It took me awhile to write to start writing a condolence note for someone so young and taken so early in life. I will miss Chris, he was such a wonderful and talented person, son, father, cousin. He had a great gift of listening and understanding. Chris always grasped life with a positive attitude no matter what life threw at him. I will miss his visits on the Cape every summer. We will all miss Chris. My heart breaks for you Uncle John, Craig and all who were close to him. Love Donna

He was tall-first impression of Chris from my 4'9" height. As my relationship with Chris grew my realization of just how complex he was became clear. Smart (both book and street) knowledgable in a wide variety of subjects and expert in more than a few, perceptive, athletic, ope hearted and open minded, polite, gracious, humble, giving in the most thoughtful ways, fun, positive, great sense of humor with superb communication skills are just some of the adjectives that come to mind in describing Chris. Chris was honest, inclusive, and curious - always learning. I treaSURE OUR TALKS AND TIME TOGETHER. FOR MY DEAR FREIND- I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU AND AM VERY GREATFUL THAT YOU ARE AT PEACE

Craig, my condolences to you and rest of the Ciampa family. Dear father in heaven, wrap your arms around this family and grant them the strength and peace during this time.He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

My heart is heavy with the news of Chris’s passing. My prayers
and condolences are with my son Craig and his Grandfather (John). Chris’s light was a bright one and it shines still in Craig. I know Chris is singing beautifully with God’s angels now.

Chris Ciampa will always be in my memory and heart. He was a phenomenal father to my grandson Craig. He was also an inspiration to all that knew him. Chris was creative and talented in so many areas, education, visionary arts, and business. However, for Chris his family brought him the most joy. John and Craig thank you for sharing Chris with my family. My prayers are with you and the other members of the Ciampa family and others who knew and cherished Chris.

Debra Porchia Usher

I’m deeply saddened, I absolutely loved Chris!! What a talented and funny soul. Xoxo 🥰Craig your dad was awesome

Can’t believe my cousin is gone. I know you’re up there enjoying a gin and tonic with my dad.

Chris was one of the most caring and giving people I've ever met. He committed so much of his life to other people, including many who were complete strangers. Every time he visited our family, he would come bearing gifts. It's sad that we won't have more time with him, but I'm so grateful for the time he spent with me and his many other loved ones. Time was the greatest gift he gave any of his. He was always very present, quick to listen, thoughtful while he spoke, and attentive to everyone he was around. If I can be a bit more like Chris, I'll be proud to have internalized his impact on me.

Chris was an incredible guy. The first picture of Chris that I saw was of him in Cape Cod. He was holding the reel of an Alta balloon. He was looking up at the sky with a big delighted smile on his face. I asked John: “Who is that big guy?”, to which he replied: “It’s my son!!”.
I did not get to spend enough time with Chris. But when we did, we discussed work, movies, special effects, and life. Also, about his dad’s eclectic life and history... Chris was very supportive of everybody’s work. He was always polite and grateful. Goodbye Chris, “Much obliged, my friend” (as you would say).

Chris was a terrific guy who will be sorely missed. I ran into him a few weeks ago on UM’s campus working on their new blimp project. We talked about my upcoming trip to New Zealand and he told me the story of him being invited to work on Lord of the Rings, which would take up to two years. He declined because Craig was recently born and he wouldn’t be away from his son, not even for an opportunity like that. He was a loving father and a good son. Sending love and hugs to everyone who loved him and hoping that your fond memories of him will give you comfort and joy.

I remember Chris as thoughtful and philosophical. When Chris was living with us in Rochester, I was a pre-teen at the time and was watching most adults and older kids for clues on what was important. Chris was deliberate in how he took in the world. I recall how carefully and respectively he processed what he was learning. In retrospect, it was a gift to absorb and be influenced by that conscientiousness. Chris was a caring and principled person. He was so kind to me. And I've also come to learn, as would suprise no one, that he brought the same compassion and thoughtfulness to others throughout his entire life.

I'm adding some photos that my mom found as well.

Death lives between the lines of everything I write or read
Death shadows everything that shines and cancels everything I need
“Passed away,” “taken from us,” “gone to rest” which pseudonym is best
Death lives between the breath of everyone I’m close to
Yet we never talk of it; are we supposed to
Death is lurks behind everything I say
Death humbles me to pray
In the name of the father
Death took my son

Nothing comes of everything I need.
Death shadows everything that shines.
Death lives between the lines.
Of everything I read
Passing taken to rest.
Which of these pseudonyms is best?
Death lives between every breath of everyone I'm close to.
We never talk of death.
Are we supposed to?
That is behind everything we say.
Humble me to pray.
In the name of the father
Death took my son.

I have only known Chris for a short time since December of 2023, but I wish that I could have known him earlier and could have worked with him on so many exciting things. He is such a nice person.

I still remember a few weeks ago when he was helping us collect data with his new blimp at UM. We were so excited about future projects to collaborate on, and about how my colleagues from our workshop in January have already been planning with him on upcoming field experiments everywhere in the U.S. He is clearly very devoted and proud of his work. Unfortunately, everything happened so fast.

Chris, may you rest in peace. You will be deeply missed.

In Memory of Chris,

Though our time knowing you was brief, the impact you made on our hearts will last a lifetime. Your sudden departure has left a big void, for you were indeed a gentle giant whose presence radiated warmth and kindness.

Your caring nature, empathy, and brilliance, reminiscent of your father's, shone brightly in every interaction we shared. We were eagerly anticipating the moments we would spend together in Miami, nurturing a friendship that held such promise and joy.

The depth of our sadness at your untimely passing is immeasurable. Yet, amidst the shock and grief, we find solace in the memories of your love for your son Craig, spoken of with such tenderness and pride. Your legacy of love and devotion will forever be cherished.

Though you may no longer walk among us, your spirit lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing you. May your soul find peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father, and may your memory be a guiding light, inspiring us to live with compassion, empathy, and love, just as you did.

Rest in the peace of Christ, dear Chris. You will be deeply missed and will forever remain in our prayers and in our hearts.

Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Ciampa family, and in particular to Craig and our beloved John.

With heartfelt condolences,
Astrid and Stuart Beharry

With deepest sympathy and profound sadness, Lucille & I offer John, Craig, Pidg and the Ciampa family our condolences and prayers that God will comfort Chris and provide him a place in Haven to share paradise with his Aunts and other Ciampa family members who already enjoy their place in Haven.

Chris, may you rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you. Chris is now in Gods Hands and he will always remain in our hearts & memories.

My apology to viewers. My photos of Chris are not uploading.

A few pictures.

Chris Ciampa was a very good human being. He cared deeply about the other people in his life. Chris was a single father who did an excellent job raising his son Craig. Chris was an inventive visual effects artist. He was a first class teacher regularly voted the best and most popular teacher in his school. Chris lived with John and me and my children Anne and Mark in Rochester for a few years while attending grad school. Thereafter he kept in touch sending me emails and mother's day flowers year after year. Recently Chris moved to Florida from California to be near his father and help lead his business. Chris Ciampa was a very good human being and he will be deeply missed.

John, I am so said for you and your family. All I can say is you were blessed to have him for so many years, but not long enough.. My prayers will focus on giving you peace and rest during these difficult times.

Dear John and Family-

I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your son, Chris. My heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. Losing a loved one, especially a child, is an unimaginable pain, and I can't begin to fathom the depth of your grief.
May the memories of Chris bring sunshine to cloudy days...

Thoughts and prayers to each of you...
Tony Loperfido

I can't believe I lost my best friend and son, so I won't. Only the body dies his soul will rest his love and kindness Witt too will live in my heart
Dad

Dear Chris,

I miss you already. I look back in regret that we didn't spend more time together. I remember your intelligence, humor and just how wonderful you were relating to kids. I am grateful that you spent your final years close by to your Dad, whom, I know you loved very much.

I imagine you to be riding your bike in heaven now, impressing all with your encyclopedic trivia knowledge. Perhaps in heaven, you can enjoy seafood and meat. because surely food in heaven is sustainability farmed.

Bless you, my friend. May you rest in peace

Tammy (still not a Vegan)