After a four and a half year showdown with prostate cancer, my beloved Christopher Charles Caminiti, passed away peacefully in my arms, smothered with love and kisses, in our home on 11/11/2020.
Christopher was born on June 10, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Staten Island and lived there until the family moved to Arizona when Christopher was 12 years old. His favorite landmark in Staten Island was Porzio’s Pond, where he spent countless hours playing ice hockey in the winter, and searching for and catching turtles, snakes, and lizards with his friends and cousins in the summer. He was so excited to take me there before our trip to Italy in 2018.
His passions in life were immeasurable: music, drumming in particular, performing in front of people, living life, having fun, being the center of attention, and spending time with those he loved the most.
Anyone lucky enough to have met him could see and feel the zest for life that he had! He was known for his infectious smile, happy outlook on life, and kind, compassionate spirit.
He had his first drum lesson at age 12 and became an unquestionably accomplished drummer. His many hobbies included playing hockey, photographing lightning and the moon, anything to do with space and astronomy, fishing, chess, hiking, camping, and traveling (especially internationally). He was a collector of many things and an eBay Powerseller. He had precious memories of playing on the same hockey teams as his father and brother-in-law. Did I mention that Christopher loved to have fun?! Oh, and let’s not forget how he loved winning at the casino!
Christopher was part of numerous 80’s hair metal bands, as well as an original band formed in 2011. His love for music continued until the day he passed. He enjoyed concerts, theater, and seeing the Transiberian Orchestra every Christmas.
He started his own business, Black Canyon Pest Control when he was 19 years old. At that time he was the youngest person to become certified in the state of Arizona with a pest control license. He was very proud of his business, but in reality, this guy hated bugs, and still did up until the day he left this earth! All bug dealings have been my responsibility for the last 11 1/2 years! Christopher was a professional photographer and loved being part of his family’s photography business, Cameo Studios, in Scottsdale, AZ.
Christopher was proud of many things: being Italian, being a musician, being my husband, growing close to his sons, being a bonus pop to my kids, being loyal, and being a fierce advocate for prostate cancer awareness. He made it his mission to tell as many men as possible about prevention and early detection through screenings. He reached hundreds of people and we know for sure that he saved at least one life in his efforts.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lori; his mother, Rose; his sons Cameron and Vincent; his bonus kids Mark and Melissa, his sister, Jennifer, his brother-in-law, Sean; his niece Brittany, nephew Anthony, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Toni, and Uncle Bobby; cousins Barbara, Jacqueline, and Kayleigh, not to mention his many, many friends and brothers.
Christopher was preceded in death by his father, Anthony, and his cousins John, and Jon-Michael. He said it was going to be like the boys going to a Ranger’s game up there!
Although his life was taken too soon, Christopher impacted more people in his 51 years than most will in a lifetime. He will be remembered fondly for living life to its fullest, following his passions, laughing every day, and not allowing anyone to steal his joy!
If he could tell you what he wanted his legacy to be, he would say that he would like to be remembered for being kind (even to strangers), making people laugh, forgiving those who hurt him, and asking for forgiveness from those whom he hurt; but most importantly, for living life with a light but open heart, a big smile, keeping his old friends close, and making new ones along the way.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at SoHo63, 63 E. Boston St., Chandler, AZ, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. To allow for accurate planning, please let Christopher’s wife, Lori, know if you are planning to attend.
In lieu of flowers, and per Christopher’s request, donations can be made in his name to the Prostate On-Site Project (POP) in Mesa, AZ,
www.prostatecheckup.org
, or by calling (480) 964-3013.
Having your
annual
prostate screening would be the best way that you could ever honor him.
Christopher, your absence is already greatly felt, and we love you.
Rest in Peace, Cx3.