WILMINGTON — Christopher Joseph Pirozzolo, born on June 27, 1993, in Elmira, New York, left this world on April 18, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 31. Chris was a vibrant soul whose presence lit up every room he entered.
From a young age, Chris showcased a deep passion for life, a trait that carried him through his years working in various capacities in local restaurants. Whether in the kitchen or interacting with guests, Chris’s warmth and kindness touched everyone he met.
The beach was Chris’s sanctuary. He loved paddleboarding, finding peace and joy on the water. Wilmington was his home for 29 years, and its shores were where he found solace and adventure.
Chris had a kind heart, a warm smile, and an enormous presence. He was deeply devoted to his family and friends, always ready to lend a hand or share laughter. One of Chris’s friends poignantly captured his spirit, saying, “He had an insatiable need for adventure, for the party, and wasn’t sure if he chased the party or brought the party.” We’re so sorry his party ended so soon, but we are grateful for the moments he shared with us.
Surviving Chris are his loving parents, Dominic Pirozzolo (Debbie) and Debra Madden (Roger Rutherford). He will be dearly missed by his brother, Dominic Pirozzolo (Brittany), and three sisters, Corin Madden (Richard Clark), Ashley Sellers (Lee), and Erica Fedler (Travis Mercer). Chris also leaves behind four nephews and six nieces, who adored him.
A celebration of Chris’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable person he was. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Coastal Horizons Center or the Good Shepherd Center, organizations that reflect his values and love for the community.
Chris’s light will continue to shine in all who knew him, and he will be dearly missed.
