Chris Richardson, 33 years old, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on September 30, 2020 after a life-long battle with diabetes and congestive heart failure.

Chris was born on May 27, 1987 to Faith and Regis in Livingston, New Jersey. After graduating from West Orange High School in 2005, he went on to study Liberal Arts at Middlesex County College. He had a kind and loving spirit. Upon meeting him, his warmth would engulf you and draw you in.  He was affectionate, often greeting you with a tight hug. He was funny, sarcastic and giving. He loved all types of music and listened to everything from Miles Davis, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Bob Marley and Coltrane. He loved oldies too like Parliament Funkadelic, the O'Jays, MJ and Whitney. As a small child, he would torture his mom by playing the Bodyguard soundtrack over and over again and they never missed a Verzuz battle. He loved the written works of Langston Hughes, James Baldwin and the art of Basquiat. He started toy drives for St. Jude's hospital, mentored teens, and was a camp counselor.  He was fondly known as "Mr. Rich" to students at Wekiva High School, Lakeview Middle and Orlo Vista Elementary.

Chris loved his family immensely and admired his uncles. He mirrored a character trait from each of them and made it his own. He appreciated everyone in his family for their unique selves.

Uncle Floyd - His devotion to our family and his self-sacrificing nature.

Uncle Peter - His tenacity and his never complaining when things were difficult. However, he never quite got his rhythm-less dance moves. We have video!!! Our family will never forget the infamous split he performed to the baseline of MJ's 'Billie Jean' at his son's wedding.

Uncle Al - How easy it was to talk to him about anything. They shared long, open conversations about life and pop culture. He shared his mantra:

"O God and Heavenly Father, grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be change; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."

Uncle Michael - His honesty (sometimes brutal) but honest none the less. His social consciousness and his dedication to  giving back to the community.

Aunt Jennifer - Her great cooking, especially the yams at Thanksgiving dinners. He would cuddle up to her and admire her sophistication, but would tell her "a jus love it when yuh curse" for those few times when lady-likeness would not suffice.

Aunt Peppie - The trips to Virginia, the rides in her car with the music blaring. He loved her strength, her positivity, her ride or die attitude.  He chuckled when she tried to speak patois.

Aunt Dorothy - Her sophistication and down-to-earth spirit. He admired her kindness, her gentility and he knew she was  perfectly suited for his Uncle Floyd.

Aunt Hazel - He enjoyed the conversations that were shared with her and his Uncle Al as well as the hospital visits and meals she prepared while he was hospitalized. He appreciated the motherly care and concern she often showed him, always asking if he was alright.

Mark and Maria - He loved Mark's playful nature, and enjoyed the insightful conversations that were had when they saw each other. He admired the  loving interactions with his wife, Maria, and his kids, Darian, Vanessa and Sabby.

King and Malik - Spending time in Virginia and the walks to the creek for "keep it real" conversations. He admired King's adaptability and strength. He was amazed at Malik's talent as an artist and admired his quiet, peaceful personality.

Gordon, Peter Anthony and Tiffanie - He admired Gordon for chasing his dream as a writer, Peter Anthony's quiet strength and Tiffany's intelligence.

Marene (Godmother) - She was always a part of his life, supportive and ever-present through thick and thin.  He enjoyed her smile, the countless field trips and birthday celebrations.

May - She was always supportive throughout his life, especially during his hospital stay as a diabetic. She shared in the many field trips and birthdays. He loved her contagious laugh.

Grandma - He loved her endlessly and missed her so much.  He admired her faith in God, her strength and conviction and the jewels of wisdom she gave him. He loved curling up next to her for her head rubs, and demolished her spaghetti and meatballs. He treasured her back-to-school brunches for the grand kids.  While other teens only wanted to spend time with friends, he would make sure to spend time with her every year during summer breaks and holiday recesses.

Mom (Faith) – They shared a special mother/son bond. They were each other’s friend, confidante, protector and supporter. They had an honest, open relationship that was filled with laughs, tears, triumphs and disappointments.  They had each other’s back, come what may and lovingly kept each other in check when needed. First and foremost, he admired her faith in God, her strength and her ability to push through life’s difficulties. He often wrote her letters of love and appreciation.

Chris was a special young man. To know him is to love him. Words cannot express the pain and sadness felt by his family and friends. His mom's heart is breaking but, he would want her to find the strength to push on.  If he could speak to her, he'd  probably reassure her by telling her that he's cradled in the loving arms of his beloved Grandma and Uncle Al and not to be sad.  He'd probably tell her, it's not goodbye Mom, but see you later. I know she feels blessed and privileged to have been his mom and he felt the same about her. We love you Chris and we miss you.