It is with great sadness that the family of Christopher Michael Pupo shares that he died peacefully on June 23, 2012 after a brave and prolonged battle with cancer that he developed as a result of his rescue efforts at Ground Zero following 9/11. His determined will to persevere was fueled by his wife Kristen and his three angels, Mackenzie, Kacey and Devyn. The love Christopher had for his wife and children was a guiding light in his full life.
Christopher was born on February 12, 1972 in New Rochelle, NY to Nancy Gullusci and Alfred Pupo, Jr. He attended New Rochelle High School and Iona College, where he excelled on the football field and developed deep friendships with countless people he encountered. New Rochelle High School is also where he met his best friend for life Rich Tricario and the two have maintained a relationship so close that it could only be described as brotherhood.
In 1998, Christopher answered his true calling and entered the New York City Police Department. Throughout his years serving the City of New York Christopher’s passion for his job was evident and it was no surprise to anyone he worked with that he excelled and advanced through the ranks. He spent time on the street working in the 52nd Precinct, served as a Sergeant in the Emergency Services Unit and a Lieutenant of the 41st Precinct. He was recently promoted to the rank of Detective Lieutenant.
In 2003, Christopher fulfilled another life goal when he enrolled n the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, wherein he served with great honor for over nine years. In 2009, he was chosen as the Coast Guard Reserve Petty Officer Person of the Year and was subsequently promoted to the Rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served his country proudly both domestically and over seas.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, Mackenzie, Kacey and Devyn, and his loving wife Kristen of Tappan, NY. He is also treasured by his loving father Alfred Pupo Jr and his stepmother Helene Pupo of Pocono Lake, PA; his best friend Richard Tricario, cousin Jennifer Pupo, his brother-in-law Todd and Karen Damiani. Chris will be missed and fondly remembered by all of his family, friends, coworkers, servicemen and neighbors.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 28, 10AM, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Tappan, NY. Burial will follow at the Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 7-9PM and Wednesday, June 27, 2-4 and 7-9PM at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan, NY. Memorial donations may be made to United Hospice of Rockland (www.hospiceofrockland.org) or The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).
Moritz Funeral Home
98 Route 303 South
Tappan, NY 10983