Christopher Katsekures, 80, of Bay Pines, FL passed away on January 31, 2011 at Bay Pines VA Health Care System.

He was born in Manhattan, NY on February 2, 1930. He lived with his father, John, his “mama”, Alexandra, and his older brother and sister, Peter and Georgia. He dedicated his life to his mother at the age of sixteen when she lost her husband. Chris enlisted into the U.S. Army when he was eighteen in 1948 until 1953. When he was a young man he moved to Seattle, Washington and Valdez, Alaska where he lived for twenty years. He became a delegate for the Teamsters Union in charge of the construction of the Pipeline. He also was involved in politics and campaigned for President John F. Kennedy. Chris later retired to Palm Springs, CA where he resided for twenty five years.

He enjoyed attending LA Dodger ballgames, playing golf and bowling, loved reading, music, movies, cooking, raising two dachshunds, and gardening (esp. planting rose bushes). In the 80’s he was fortunate to travel to the Islands of Rodos and Crete in Greece (He was of Greek Descent and could speak it fluently). In 1995 Chris moved to Florida to live closer to his niece, Carol, and her family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always positive. He was very loving and generous and would rather give to others than to himself. He loved having family and friends around him all the time.

I’ll miss my Uncle Chris, but I’ll have his Loving Memory forever in my heart. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Michael (Mickey) Filippone, Sr.; twin nieces, Diane Stevens and Carol Laronga, Carol’s husband, Robert Laronga; his nephew, Michael Filippone, Jr.; his grand nephews, Robert Jr. (Bobby) and Christopher Laronga, Jack Naglieri; and his grand nieces, Andrea Lupton and Antonia Naglieri.

A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:15 PM on Tuesday, February, 15, 2011 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, 33744. (727) 398-9426.

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