March 11, 2021
Chris Abraham was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. It is with heavy hearts that his family announces his passing on Feb. 16, 2021, at the age of 54.

Born on July 7, 1967, in Youngstown, Ohio, to parents Steve Abraham and Arlene McMahon, who predeceased him, Chris was the youngest of four siblings. The family soon relocated to Ventura County where Chris lived for most of his life but left behind many relatives who still live in Youngstown today. In his youth he was an incredible athlete, playing both baseball and basketball from childhood into his teen years. He graduated from Westlake High School in 1985.

After his education, he moved to Tahoe and eventually San Diego working for Marriott hotels. His background in bartending and customer service led him to pick up a variety of talents to meet new people and entertain his customers, including impressive card tricks. He was known to have said, “as a bartender, you either had to drink with your customers or entertain them to keep them coming back. I chose card tricks.” Chris was incredibly social, engaging and witty and was never without a joke or conversation starter to spare.

He was a lover of all things outdoors, including hiking, biking and especially surfing. The calm and easygoing nature of the ocean was an ideal fit for Chris’s laidback personality. Having grown up by the beach, he spent many weekends chasing waves and would even teach complete strangers that were willing to learn.

Chris was also passionate about the entertainment industry and a lover of all things film-related. As a teenager, he would spend hours and sometimes entire days watching new releases. He was able to turn his passion into a career later in life by writing movie reviews as a film critic. Music and dancing were also a big part of his life, and he was infamous for tearing it up on any dance floor he was around.

Although he had many loves in life, he never found his one true life partner. If anything, Chris invested his whole heart into his family. Affectionately “Uncle Chris” to his nine nieces and nephews, he was a forever honorary member of the kid’s table. Full of life and incredibly youthful at heart, his contagious laugh and bright smile lit up every room he entered.

Chris was many things throughout his life. A lifelong Dodger and Laker fan. The “fun uncle.” An adventure seeker. A writer. A hopeful. Through all of the obstacles and health challenges he faced, his biggest wish was to show others how much he cared.

Chris was taken from us much too soon but will forever be remembered by his family for his big personality and even bigger heart. He is survived by his brothers, Gary and Steve Abraham; sister Sherry Abraham; stepmom Bobi Abraham; sisters and brothers-in-law; aunts and uncles; cousins; and many nieces and nephews. We love you, Chris, catch some big waves in the clouds for us all.