Christopher A. Italia,

Christopher A. Italia, MAI., 53, of Rocky Hill, beloved husband of Cheryl (Gulino) Italia, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2016. Chris was born in Hartford on December 25, 1962, the son of Monica (Longo) Italia of Wethersfield and the late Dr. Sebastian R. Italia. A graduate from the University of Connecticut, he began working at Edward Heberger and Associates until he co-founded Italia & Lemp, Inc. in 1993. Chris was the Senior Managing Director at Valbridge Property Advisors - Italia & Lemp, Inc. He was instrumental in building the firm into the largest real estate valuation practice in Connecticut. He used his technical expertise to train dozens of aspiring appraisers, imparting his knowledge through training the next generation. Chris was the consummate professional who loved the appraisal industry. In 1997, he was appointed to State of Connecticut Appraisal Commission by Governor John G. Rowland and in 2004 he was appointed Chairman. Above all else, Chris was a loving and devoted husband and father. Chris was very involved in his children’s lives, whether coaching one of their teams or on the sidelines cheering them on. He never missed an event where his children were involved. He generously gave of his time to family, friends and the community. In addition to Cheryl, his wife of 28 years, Chris leaves his sons James S. Italia of Brighton, MA, and Nicholas J. Italia of Rocky Hill, along with his daughter Lauren R. Italia of Rocky Hill. Chris also leaves his brothers Dr. Gary Italia and his wife Romina of Marlborough, Dr. Mark P. Italia and his wife Susan of Palm Harbor, FL.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lou and JoAnne Gulino of Wethersfield; sister-in-law Lynn Dillon and her husband Tim of Wethersfield; brothers-in-law Chris Gulino of Berlin and Mark Gulino of Seymour, TN; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday May 25th at 11 a.m. in St. James Church, 767 Elm St. Rocky Hill. Everyone is asked to gather directly at church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday May 24th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The CT Brain Tumor Alliance, Inc., P.O. Box 370514, West Hartford, CT. 06137. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com