Obituary for Christopher Robert Large
Christopher Robert Large, 49, left his earthly body on Sunday, March 3rd. Chris was the precious son of Robert and Janette (Alineri) Large, beloved husband and soulmate of Monica (Keller) Large and cherished father to his daughter, Abigail Olivia. He was dear brother to Michael and Jill (Napolitano) Large, son and brother through marriage to Wesley and Pamela Keller and Shawn and Greta (Keller) Rosler.
Chris was born in Rutherford and spent his life in Bergen County, residing for the last 20 years in Maywood. Chris had many interests, all of which he pursued with great passion. He was always involved in athletics beginning at a very young age with recreational sports and continuing into high school sports and both snow and water skiing. Chris flowed his passion for playing football and sports into being a true fanatic of his hometown football and hockey teams, the Giants and the Rangers. As a family, the Large's are avid hikers and rock climbers - both of which Chris enjoyed consistently throughout his entire life.
In recent years, Chris uncovered a talent for pit cooking and smoking meats that provided some wonderful meals which he shared with friends and family. He thoroughly enjoyed hosting friends and family and wowing them with his amazing creations. Chris also had a passion for nature and being a true Aquarian, was an avid fish keeper for over 20 years. He adored animals and he helped his daughter learn to care for her flock of chickens for several years. Chris, Monica and Abby shared their home with their beautiful dogs, Roxy and Luna and Chris basked in their affection for him.
Chris had a gift for understanding technology and electronics which provided a framework from which his professional pursuits and creative talents spread extensively. Chris spent his entire professional life working as a video engineer and manager in and around the NYC metro area, he was respected by a vast professional network. Chris took great pride in his troubleshooting skills - so much so that his observations and suggestions resulted in many design reviews with major equipment manufacturers.
Music was a source of inspiration for Chris from the moment he was born. Chris had an amazing ear and was a self-taught vocalist and bass player, playing and singing in several bands beginning in his late teens and continuing all the way through his life. He had a passion for music and was so naturally gifted that in 2014, he auditioned on a whim for American Idol and was selected as a finalist.
Beginning in 2020 when his musical and performing creativity was suddenly stifled, Chris uncovered one of his greatest natural talents when he taught himself astrophotography. For the last several years of his life, Chris enthralled a global audience with his images. Beginning as a child when he wondered himself to sleep looking at the stars that were stuck on his bedroom ceiling, Chris remained committed to learning about all things galactic and often had to uncomplicate his descriptions of his accomplishments just so his friends and family could follow what he was showing them. He had a massive online following and while he loved capturing planetary and deep space images from far away galaxies, his most prominent images were lunar. Chris was enchanted by the moon and enjoyed his nightly backyard escapes to capture a level of detail on the moon surface that may have eluded some astronauts.
But, above all, Chris's deepest passion was the love he had for his family. He always put both his nuclear and extended family first in everything he did. In particular, Chris brought his best work to life as a husband and father. He and Monica would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on June 5, 2024 and Abby was absolutely Chris's biggest joy and accomplishment. From the moment he found out he would be a father, Chris wanted to teach Abby everything he possibly could. They did everything together from typical childhood pursuits to much more advanced endeavors like hiking and climbing. Chris and Abby were particularly in step with the intricate talents of understanding and performing music. Abby personifies Chris's legacy sharing many of his creative gifts including their award winning holiday light extravaganza that they brought to life in increasing depth every year.
Chris is survived by his parents, wife and daughter, his brothers and sisters and father through marriage as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews Daniel Large, Wesley Rosler, Charles Rosler, Raymond Rosler, Mason Large and niece, Juliette Large.
Chris will be honored by his friends and family with visiting on Wednesday, March 13th from 4P - 8P and a Memorial Service on Thursday, March 14th from 10A - Noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes for your consideration for Abby's future