Christopher Michael Picarelli

Born September 13, 1948 in Manhattan, New York, and died unexpectedly on July 7, 2025. Lovingly known as “Peggy’s Husband,” Chris and his late wife, Peg, were married in 1970 for 54 years. They are survived by their two children, Christopher (Suzanne) and Brendan (Lindsey). They leave behind their grandchildren, Gaetano, Cheyanne, and Angelo; nephew Jaxson; and niece Jayda. Dear friend Lisa Portnoy (Dave Herm) met Chris in childhood, and he quickly adopted her as his niece. Known to countless friends, neighbors, and family as Uncle Chris, he made everyone he loved feel like blood.

Chris was an entrepreneur and expert mechanic. He began working at a young age with his father and never stopped hustling to provide for his family. Among his many ventures, Chris owned a New York cab company, a gas station, a Blimpie sandwich store, multiple auto repair shops, and a gym. He was an avid personal trainer, practicing woodworker, and self-proclaimed therapist. He moved his family to Cape Coral, Florida in 2004, where he and Brendan opened BC Automotive and quickly became a staple of the Fort Myers automotive industry. Brendan and Chris were much more than father and son; they were best friends. They spent over 30 years working side by side. The pair most recently opened a window screening business together as a new joint adventure.

Chris loved spending time with his family. He adored his grandchildren, loved being a father, and loved being a husband. He had many labels: Husband, Father, Uncle, Neighbor, and Friend. His sense of humor was unmatched. Chris truly made sarcasm a competitive sport. He could best be described as tough as nails but soft as cotton.

If you were loved by Chris, you were loved fiercely. He would do anything for his circle of people without a moment's hesitation. Whenever anyone needed him for anything, he was there. With just a look, he could be a Pit Bull. He never stopped fighting for what he believed. He made time to listen to others and always gave sound advice. He took in strays and turned strangers into friends without effort. To say that Chris will be missed by many is the understatement of the century.

The family will be holding viewing services on Sunday, July 20, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 in the afternoon at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 Chiquita Boulevard S, Cape Coral, Florida 33991, (239) 283-0540. All are welcome to attend, say goodbye and pay final respects to Chris and to share sympathy and comfort with those he leaves behind.

A celebration of life will be hosted at a later date at First Christian Church in Cape Coral – Details to follow.

To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer a message of condolence at this difficult time, please visit the memorial webpage for Chris and sign his guestbook.