Sunrise: December 18th, 1938 – Sunset: January 18th, 2020
Christopher Alexander Peart Senior, a.k.a, ‘Chris’, ‘Paper’, ‘Papa Doc’ and most affectionately known as, ‘Papito’ was born on December 18th, 1938 in the Republic of Panama. He was the middle out of three boys and son of Rupert Peart and Beatrice Namard. During his time in Panama, growing up as a child and into adulthood, Papito grew fond and took a liking to preparing many, if not most, of the authentic indigenous Panamanian cuisines. It wasn’t long after that, where he sought to further his passion for food and acquired a deeper knowledge and expertise in Culinary Arts at Clayton’s U.S. Military Base in the Republic of Panama.
After spending twenty-six years in Panama, Papito made a decision to migrate to the United States and landed in New London, Connecticut in 1964, where he continued to nurture his gift for culinary arts at numerous restaurants across the state. Shortly thereafter, Papito was then called to seek another opportunity to become a chef at the infamous Junior’s restaurant. It was his passion for cooking that carried him to Crown Heights, in Brooklyn, NY; where he would call home for the next fifteen years of his life. It was in those 15 years where he would reunite with the love of his life, Elena Paul, who he would marry and call his wife in the scorching summer of 1967. Becoming an instant father to Elena’s daughter, Vielka, they decided to grow their family and a few years later, Papito and Elena gave birth to their first and only son, Christopher Alexander Peart Junior on September 16th, 1969.
With the desire to have more in life, Papito shifted his love for culinary arts and sought after a career at the (LIRR) Long Island Rail Road in New York where he worked for twenty-five years in the passenger service department. After his tenure at the LIRR, Papito and his wife retired and headed to Deltona, FL to build their home and enjoy the golden years of their lives together.
In the fifteen years living in Deltona, Papito enjoyed all that retirement had to offer. A fan of everything that would put a smile on any man’s face, Papito enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He enjoyed the outdoors, socializing and enjoyed the soft melodies of Mark Anthony and other acclaimed Latin artists. Not only that, but Papito didn’t miss the opportunity to unwind in his latter years by adorning himself in his finest attire, and partaking in salsa events and festivities that reminded him of his earlier years amongst the mountainous terrain and plush topography of Panama.
After eighty-one years of living a full and prosperous life, God sent his angels to carry Papito home to be with his Lord and savior on Saturday, January 18th, 2020 at 2:45pm.
Papito is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elena Peart, Christopher A. Peart Junior (son), Vielka Thomas (daughter); Grandkids, (Stephen, Keenan, Chris III, Christian); Brothers (Norman, David, Harry); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Papito was not just a Father of two, he was also a father-figure to many. Papito’s warm demeanor, proud stature and magnetism drew so many young men in the community to him, where he influenced and impacted their lives. Many of which emulated and followed in Papito’s footsteps, securing jobs at the LIRR where many of them are now, and well on their way to well-deserved retirements of their very own.
His legacy is in his name. Papito wasn’t just a name to fancy him by, not just a nickname to remember him by, but Papito was and will always be a role model for us to live by.
Rest
Rest now Papito, Rest now,
As your laboring and tarrying is done,
Rest Now Papito, Rest Now,
Spread your wings and sail with the sun.
Rest now Papito… Rest now.
Descansa
Descansa Ahora Papito, Descansa Ahora
A Medida que su trabajo y demora se hace,
Descansa Ahora Papito, Descansa Ahora
Extiende tus alas y navega con el sol
Descansa Ahora Papito…Descansa Ahora.
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