Christopher Anthony Misurelli
March 20, 1987 -
June 29, 2016
Christopher Anthony Misurelli was a candle that burned brightly to give others light. Sadly, that light was extinguished on Wednesday, June 29, in San Diego, CA.
Chris was born on March 20, 1987 in Kenosha, WI. He is the son of Rhoda Ricciardi and John Misurelli. While in grade school, Chris and his family moved to Madison, WI where he attended local schools, graduating from LaFollette High School in 2005. Most recently, “Mizzo” lived and worked in San Diego. One of the joys of his life in California was spending time with his brother, Josh, and his west coast family - especially his godparents, Tina and Stephen DeStefano, and his cousins, Nicole and Stephanie.
Chris was a beautiful soul with a charismatic smile. His cousins and friends would tell you that he was always ready for the next adventure and for whatever shenanigans there were to be found. One of his teachers said, “Chris made me wish I was a kid again so I could hang out with him. He takes his smile with him but not the happiness his short life gave us.”
Chris had two loves: football and making others laugh. Every year he waited as patiently as he could for the start of the NFL season. To ensure his loved ones followed the game, he forced his family and friends to join in his fantasy football leagues, which they begrudgingly did to keep him quiet. No one recalls Christopher winning a single season ever.
There was no limit to which Chris would go to make someone laugh, particularly if he sensed one was feeling blue. He was deeply devoted to his friends and family. He was able to make others feel special, and he loved and trusted easily.
Chris leaves behind a large and loving family including his four parents, Rhoda (Luellen Lougee) Ricciardi and John (Jill) Misurelli; his brothers, Joshua (Colette Meyer-Javner) Misurelli and Richard (Kristin Bowers); Tobias and his sisters Rhiannon (Andy) Tonies, Jessica (Ayesha Hassan) Berger, Lindsay (Luke Forehand) Berger and Amelia (Glenn Alstadt)Tobias. Chris was “Uncle ‘Tis” to his niece Marcella, his nephew and godson, Benjamin, and his nephew, Rafael. He was looking forward to the arrival of Baby Tonies this coming January. Chris also is survived by his maternal grandparents, Carlo and Marcella Ricciardi, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. (Oh, the stories we could tell you!)
Chris was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Eugene and Mary Misurelli, and by his cousin, Sarah DeStefano.
Wherever you are, Chris, we know you’ll be making your fellow souls laugh, and will be reminding them that the season starts in eight weeks.
Chris served as the family grammarian. If there are any errors in this obituary, we blame him.
Service Info
A memorial service celebrating Chris’ life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2016 in the Capitol View Room of the East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison WI, 53714, with a gathering to immediately follow on the back lawn until 4:00 p.m.
Posted by:
Gorde RanumWhat I recall of the reading of the note Chris left behind he said he loved his life, his family, friends and times but that he knew he wouldn't live much longer because he didn't love himself enough. We all wish we had one more chance to tell you Chris a few more words. Mine would be "learn to love yourself". Say daily affirmations. "I love myself too much to worry about what hasn't happened yet". "I love myself too much to not forgive myself or to feel bad about not achieving that potential everyone expected of me". "I love myself too much to actively hate others, including myself". "I love myself too much to hurt all those people who have come to love me". When I think on you Chris, I'll remember that sparkling light I felt from your energy, I enjoyed you correcting me, teasing me and I'll forgive myself for not seeing that "warning light" deep inside your eyes labeled "doesn't love self enough". I'll practice more "love myself too much to" affirmations. I loved you more alive Chris. I will miss you so much I ache.
Hello - I didn't know Christopher, but saw his short obit in the paper today, along with my mother's. I looked up his longer one on this site. Just want you to know he looked like an awesome guy. I love your humor at the end of the obit, too. May his smiles always comfort you. Nan
Posted by:
Kimberly BoehmMy dearest sympathy goes out to Chris' family. Chris was a great person who touched alot of people with his smile. Rest in Paradise Chris, you will forever be in our hearts.
Posted by:
Lyn Opelt & John BurrRhoda & all other family members, Our sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful Chris. Cherish the years of memories. Thinking of you often.
Posted by:
joniI will always remember Chris as being simply the best!!!
Posted by:
Emily BatcherI am so sorry to hear this. I never met Chris but worked with his brother Josh years ago. My heart goes out to your whole family, Josh… I am so, so sorry.
Posted by:
katherine VignieriDear John ,Jill and family: My deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Chris. I wish I would have met him ,he sounded so special. We enjoyed meeting his brother Josh at Uncle Jeno's funeral.I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. A memorial donation will be made to NAMI of Kenosha county in Chris's name.I am sorry I will be unable to attend his memorial because I am leaving early morning for Arizona to visit my daughter Eva and her family. Love, Kathy and family
Posted by:
Molly (Marcantonio) GriffinSending our love and deepest condolences to the entire family, but especially to my cousin, Andy, and his wife, Rhi, for the loss of what was most certainly an amazing brother, son, cousin, nephew, godfather, uncle ..... While we may be far apart in miles and years (age), our family ties run deep and I'm thankful for technology that I'm able to keep in touch. I didn't know Chris, obviously, but I can empathize with the loss of a family member .... please know that we are keeping you in our prayers. Sending love across the miles, Molly (Marcantonio) Griffin Franklin, Tennessee
Posted by:
Curt DeningerWord cannot express the sadness I feel for your family. Keep good memories close. Share lots of hugs and stories in his memory. God bless.
Posted by:
Shari PressentinMy thoughts and prayers are with your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted by:
Rachel & Curtis BelterSending our support and sympathy in this difficult time. It is clear that Chris was such an important person to all who loved him. Sending our love. May you find peace in the memories.
Posted by:
Andy KalinI am truly saddened by my friends passing. Countless people called Chris a true friend and that is a hard role to fill sometimes. Ultimately his demons are some of our own. I know there is a bunch of us who wish we had more time, but he gave us a good look into someone who had a serious mental problem without outwardly expressing it everyday. He was a great man and a great friend. I will truly miss Chris Mizzo. I hope wherever he is, he is at peace. Rest peacefully my good friend.
Posted by:
Amber Tumpach (Johnson)Chris has touched everyone he's met in many different ways. His infectious smile and charismatic personality will be remembered by many. His beautiful soul and kindness has left a lasting impression on my high school memories. My deepest condolences to family and friend's. Rest in Paradise "Mizzo"! Mental health is so important and too many people brush it under the rug. Suicide, touches all of us in some way shape or form. The tragic loss of Chris has me completely heartbroken. Since losing my brother to suicide four years ago, I have dedicated a lot of my free time to raise awareness to many different mental health issues and it's not something that can be ignored.
Posted by:
CindySending prayers to all. Chris is deeply missed.
