Christian David Bottiglieri

Christian ("Chris") David Bottiglieri, 46, of Loxahatchee, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16th, surrounded by his family after a brave fight against pancreatic cancer. Although his illness caused severe pain since his diagnosis one year ago, Chris rarely if ever complained to his family, friends or doctors about his suffering, kindly avoided any sympathy for him or his plight, and valiantly fought his illness until his final days. Chris continued to work while undergoing numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments until the progression of his disease prevented him from doing so. Through all of his suffering, Chris made the most of what turned out to be his final year on earth by travelling with his family and friends, going on fishing trips, and making lasting memories with those who loved him. Chris was born at the U.S. Army Hospital in Bremerhaven, Germany. A lifelong resident of South Florida, Chris graduated from Chaminade High School in 1985. Chris was an avid athlete and lettered on the football and wrestling teams. After graduating from Chaminade, Chris went on to receive his Associate's Degree from Broward Community College ("BCC"). He was also an Eagle Scout who loved fishing, landscaping and spending time in the great outdoors. While attending his freshman year at BCC, Chris began dating Karen Reising, who previously attended Madonna Academy having graduated in 1985. From the day they began dating when they were only 18, Chris and Karen were inseparable and became best friends. Through their relationship of more than 28 years, they developed many lifelong friendships. They introduced friends who themselves went on to marry and raise families. Karen and Chris married in August of 1991 and raised two beautiful children, KayLyn (18) and Christian, Jr. ("C.J."- 15). Chris lived a full life and savored every moment he shared with family and friends. Chris had a sharp wit and a fun playfulness that everyone enjoyed. Chris had an ease about him, an engaging smile and warm and friendly eyes. He was always available to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His presence was never overstated, he was a man of few words. However, he enjoyed listening to others and making comments that, although at times sarcastic, would always generate a laugh. Chris' words counted. Chris, in a nutshell, was a great guy, a dedicated husband and father, and a person loved by all those who knew him well. He will be deeply, deeply missed and never forgotten. Chris is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Karen, their two children, KayLyn and Christian, Jr., his 98 year old grandmother, Rose, his parents Louis (Janice Nash) and Kay (John Justice), his sister, Julie, his brother, Jason (Marina), many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, his father by marriage (Nick Reising), his brothers by marriage (Nick Reising, Jr., (Lisa) and Matthew Reising), and several lifelong friends. A celebration of Chris' life will be held this Saturday, March 22nd, at 11am at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church in Royal Palm Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family would kindly ask for a donation to The Bottiglieri Family Trust, at P.O. Box 11, Loxahatchee, Florida, 33470, to benefit KayLyn and C.J.'s education.