Chris left a lasting impact on me as a colleague and friend at Pulaski Road School. 
Every time I take our 2 1/2 year old grandson to Mr. P’s Park, I think of Chris fondly. The words on the memorial rock give me courage and inspiration. 

I had wanted to add one more thing.  I am sure that Chris already knows this. I babysit each day for my 2 year old grandson.  My daughter told me of a wonderful playground in which to take him near my home. When she called it, “Mr. P’s Playground”, I immediately knew somehow, that it was another honor to this amazing old friend.  Sure enough, I was right. It’s a wonderful park for all children to use- small enough equipment for even a 2 year old.  I feel somehow that I’m with Chris’s soul when I’m there with my grandson. It feels like a full circle. I feel Chris smiling.  

I had wanted to write to the family in a holiday card so I never posted here. I suppose it was too difficult at the time to express the inexpressible, but you already know that. 
I was privileged to work with Chris at the Pulaski Road School from 1984-1988.  As a substitute teacher in my own hometown, I had hopes of obtaining a full-time position once my children were in school.  This was not to be, as I left for Uniondale in 1988. I took with me Chris’s warmth, his belief in me, his humor and love of animals and positive zest for life. Needlessly to say, I was devastated to learn of his diagnosis in the 90’s and sprang into action. Over my 30 years In Uniondale, I fundraised for Chris’s Ride For Life.  I was awed by him and his family’s strength.  I once met Chris at a NYC theater bus trip fundraiser I organized in NYC to see Helena Bonham Carter’s film about a young woman that had ALS.  I never stopped trying to raise money for his amazing organization.  About a dozen years ago Chris had a Stony Brook worker call to thank me for a school donation and mentioned I could volunteer there. I regret not doing so.   
I have been forever changed by knowing him. I draw upon his strength, and his incredible family ‘s strength, to inspire me to face the challenges that I face.  I photographed the saying you posted that was his mantra and I keep it handy for when life is hard.  
How blessed you were to call him “husband “ and “father” and “grandfather” and how blessed he was to have all of you.  How blessed I was to know him. Chris changed not one life; he changed so many lives for the better.  He was the embodiment of kindness and hope and love. 

Sending so much love to Chris' family. He was a hero to my husband, Chad, who passed from ALS 14 years ago. I was so honored to correspond with Chris via email on numerous occasions and to fly to NYC to share in the final day of the Ride for Life some years ago. Chris was and will ever remain an amazing light and inspiration. 

Love, light and hope to all - 
Ellen 

It was with a heavy heart when I heard of the passing of Chris.  I first met Chris many years ago at Mercy H.S..  Hw was always smiling, smart, but had a mischievous side to him.  We were friends who rode the long bus ride to and from school together.  He was also my first crush, but never had the nerve to act on my feelings.  I will always remember our time together, the laughter we shared.  Throughout his valiant battle with ALS he continued to be the same smiling person I knew.  He never lost sight of hope and love.  My condolences to his family and his many, many friends.  Chris will always be remembered with love and every Ride for Life Event.  RIP my friend. With love, Elaine (Hewins) Kaplan

I was a teacher at Miller Place when I first met Chris, along with his son who was a student at the high school. I was moved by his attitude and zest to keep moving despite his condition. I had a favorite photograph of Lou Gehrig that I swore I would never part with...I gave it to Chris because I thought it might help him (even though he did not need any more inspiration) He wrote me a thank you letter which I still have. 
Prayers in his memory as well as with his family.

Jamie LaBelle

It's been my honor and privilege to help Chris, Christine and the entire Ride 4 Life family navigate their way through the Suffolk County portion of the Ride for many, many years. More importantly over the course of that time I learned a great deal about humility, rising above your circumstances and turning adversity into opportunity. Most importantly, I made two very special and dear friends, and those lessons and friendships are a gift. Thank you Chris, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

                                                                                                        -Kurt

I first met Chris at the mid winter nights dream events hosted by Northport high school to raise money for ALS. 
A Fantastic event hosted by Northport high school seniors,,,,  there were others including Chris suffering from ALS ,,, That went or were teachers at the high school including a good friend of mine Tom Newton ,,,
I remember the first time I said hello to Chris ....
I knew He was a friend,, I got the feeling he was everybody’s friend & still is ,,,,
He has that energy I suppose you might call it
love & selflessness of caring about others ,,,
Truly sharing one’s life with others for the benefit of others,,,
This is greatness,,,  though I don’t think Chris would think of it that way ,, 
I feel that Chris was doing what was in his heart,, that’s the person he is ,,,, 

my condolences go out to his family & friends,
I know he’s at peace & in the hearts & minds of multitudes ,,,,
I know that he will be greatly missed by many & that all he gave of himself  and to others will be always remembered ,,,
I pray hopefully to set an example going forward,,,
Ciao Chris ,,,
Peace☮️ Friend 
It’s an honor to know you,,,,

FLE,,,


Chris fought a long, hard battle with strength and dignity.
 Will always remember one of his earliest rides past Norwood Elementary School with Christine by his side; the students and teachers lining the playground to cheer him on.
His loving and supportive family are in our prayers. 
With heartfelt sympathy,
Donna and Rick Gardner

I knew Chris when he taught, we were involved in Outdoor Education. I have always been in contact with Christine as I also taught with her. For the past several years I was honored to be asked to photograph the the ALS Kickoff events. All of my photos and prints were given to the family as my gift to them with no strings attached. 


I have a lot of memories of Chris 
 But the one I will share is the first time Chris reached out to me he wrote me a letter.  I did not know Chris at the time it was 2004 and I was at the darkest time of my life . my 7 month old daughter Hannah had just been diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease and Chris was there to give me hope ... Although she passed at 14 months. I lived with hope every day ... I never forgot that Letter and Chris kindness. and over the years we forged  a friendship and a bond. We shared a love of sports and Chris always asked how I was he always cared so much about others. We spoke deep sometimes  .. he was an amazing man who pioneered for those who came before him and for those that  come after. He will never be forgotten I will miss him. But because I knew him I have been changed for good. 
 Rest easy my friend. You did more in your life than most could ever dream or dare to do ..... ❤️ 

What a remarkable man Chris was! The world has lost a truly exceptional  man whose legacy will live on through his wife , children and grandson and the Ride For Life organization. My heart goes out to you all. Rest in Peace my friend

                                                                                Linda Ward

Some of my fondest memories of childhood were my summers at the Port Jeff Yacht Club. I worked at the club for several summers and worked with Cousin Chris as my "boss".  My "boss" was the coolest boss that I could ever imagine working for!!!   Now an adult, there's not a memory of PJYC without Cousin Chris in it!  Chris, you will be missed, but your memory and your legacy will live on!  God Bless you and bless your family.  Love you so much!  Annie

Christopher was my “PROFILE IN COURAGE,” was proud to teach with him at Pulaski Road School. He knew I was a huge JFK fan and was able to recite the entire Inauguration address which we would often do together. He was a true visionary knowing  “GOD’s WORK MUST TRULY BE OUR OWN.” He had ALS and fought a valiant battle for 27 years. Nobody had that marvelous smile & we know his work will be carried on by all who loved him. No more pain for Christopher. Hoping his beautiful family gain some comfort from knowing how much he was loved & respected. R.I.P. CHRIS until we meet again. No more wheelchair or ventilator you are FREE IN GOD’S CARE. Fly high on angel’s wings. 

Memories of all thise bus rides to Mercy Hich School in Riverhead. So long ago.   You were a dear friend to so many of our family members, but especially to Wayne.  I'm sure your're both sharing your memories right now.
You were an ordinary person who did extrodinary things.  I remember you telling me early on, when you were first diagnosed that you would make Washington and our representatives know about this disease.  You did it with grace and valor.  So proud to have known you.  Condolences to your loving family.

Dear Christine and family,

We were so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing.
Chris was a special, wonderful man, an inspiration.
He was so courageous, fought hard to bring such awareness of ALS.
He always had a smile and was so gracious whenever we saw him. He was an important part of our community and the ALS community.
He will be surely missed.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Michael and Coreen Capasso 


On behalf of all of us at Right at Home In Homecare & Assistance- Eastern LI Office we send our love, comfort, and deepest condolences in your loss of a great Hero and World Changer for advocacy of those suffering with ALS and their families - Mr. Christopher Pendergast. May God bless you all with His peace, comfort, and all consuming love in this difficult time. 

Dear Christine and family,
My name is John Carno and was a roommate of Chris’ in college. I want to say how sorry I am for your loss. I have many fond memories of Chris during that time. In fact over 40 years ago my wife and I came to visit. When I found out about Chris in 2004 my heart was heavy. I was so saddened. We emailed back and forth for a while but then lost touch. I have often thought of him. I admire his courage in fighting this terrible disease. Please accept my condolences during this sad time. 

John Carno

Chris is an inspiration to me and all that he came in contact with. I will remember him for his grace during the battle for a cure and that I loved and respected him before his diagnosis. There are too many fond memories to list.
My heart is heavy with the weight of his passing from this life, but graced by his presence in the next.
My love is with Christine, Melissa, Buddy, and Patrick. You are his all.

Amazing Mr. Chris.  Heaven now has one exceptional Angel.    So sorry for your loss Christine, Melissa & husband & son, Buddy.   I’m so sorry   ❤️😘 He never gave up just kept going and going to find the cure for ALS.  Survived the longest through this disease.   One exceptional man he was.   Will never be forgotten, Mr Chris.  Now an Angel that will always be watching over his beautiful family.  ❤️😘 maureen & mike colon 

Dear Christine and Family,

Our sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family at this time. Chris has been an important part of the Miller Place community.  His Ride for Life journey,  has brought attention to this terrible disease.. We thank Chris for all his hard work,  in honor of our dad, who passed away with ALS,  in 1969. 
May he now rest in peace. God bless you all.
❤️
Micki and Bill Guisti

OBITUARY

Christopher K. Pendergast

April 28, 1949 – October 14, 2020

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