Obituary of Christopher Giraldo

Chris Giraldo, 20, of Long Hill Township passed away on November 24, 2011 after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Chris went to Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. He graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in May 2010. While at Watchung Hills, Chris played Warrior football for 4 years, earning 3 varsity letters and The Best Offensive player award. He was starting running back for all 4 years. Chris was first diagnosed prior to playing a football game on Halloween Eve, 2008. A year later, after surgery, and while undergoing painful and exhausting treatments, Chris's true Warrior spirit showed his strength and determination as he trained to play out his senior year as running back. With his team behind him, Chris's dream prevailed and his success his senior year inspired the entire community. Chris was the true meaning of "Power of Example." A naturally gifted athlete, Chris's history of sports included playing baseball, soccer, lacrosse, football and basketball for the WH Junior Warrior's program. Through the years, he and his friends had many wonderful memories of the teams they played together on and he forever bonded with these teammates. Chris not only had an unusually strong camaraderie with his sports team mates, but maintained extraordinary bonds with his childhood friends and many new friends he made in high school. Chris's impact on the lives of the people he was close to was so permanent that many bare tattoos in his honor. This is a true testament of Chris' character and the long lasting affect he had on those whose lives he touched. Chris had a love for life and his good looks and charismatic personality coupled with a humorous point of view made him irresistible to all. He made it easy for his friends and family to stand by him. Chris was the true embodiment of courage and determination. Chris was one of those unique angels who graced earth with the purpose of teaching us the value of life. His departure is a loss to the world. Despite Chris' battle with cancer, he refused to succumb to its limitations and miss out on life. In addition to his zealous life of sports, Chris was active in his community, working with the Lenten Soup Kitchen, and his church's local food bank. Chris also helped the less fortunate by helping build homes in Appalachia. He loved spending time with his family and friends and loved playing basketball and watching his favorite NFL team, the New York Jets. Chris was most proud of his Long Hill heritage. He leaves behind his mother, Diana and her husband, Lou Colasanti; his father, Julio and his wife Elsa; his beloved sister, Carly, his brother, David; grandmother's Beverly and Luisa, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly. A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent DePaul RC Church, Stirling. Entombment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Basking Ridge. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-9 p.m. at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung In lieu of flowers please send all donations to the Chris Giraldo Junior Warrior Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 4013, Warren, NJ 07059 or Voices Against Brain Cancer, Team name: Chris' Warriors at www.voicesagainstbraincancer.org.