Christopher Knittle
Christopher Knittle passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 4, 2018.
He was born in Boston on February 16, 1994 and was 24 years old. Chris leaves behind a heartbroken and deeply loving family: mother, father, brother and sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. He also leaves a wide circle of loving, loyal friends who are devastated by this tragic loss.
Chris was a free spirit with a beautiful, contagious smile and a kind, sensitive soul. Though he had many friends, in all walks of life, as well as a family that loved and supported him unconditionally, he struggled to find contentment. The disease of addiction seemed to taunt him for many years, taking control of him a couple of years ago. He actively worked the 12 Steps and often talked about the importance of living the Steps daily. He took great pride in being of service to others as they too embarked on their journey of recovery.
Chris was a passionate, gifted and prolific street artist. He spent endless hours sketching and drawing in his black hardbound sketchbooks. His murals and wall pieces can be found all over New England. He was so excited to be invited to paint during Miami’s Art Basel and was proud of his artistic contribution. He valued the good friends he had in the art community. Look for the “Anser” and you will find Chris’ smile beaming through the sunshine, his bright beautiful blue eyes gleaming in joy.
Chris loved an adventure. He was an avid and accomplished snowboarder. He found great happiness on the side of a snow-covered mountain, cruising the slopes or freestyling in the park. He loved the beauty of the ocean and enjoying the beach in his hometown of Marblehead.
Another of Chris’ passions was skateboarding. As a teenager, he loved cruising the streets with friends and dropping in at any and every skatepark he could find. In his last few months of health and sobriety, Chris could often be found happily skating at the Cambridge Skatepark under the Zakim Bridge, glad to have found the joy of being on his board again.
We, his family are blessed to have had the last six months with Chris in his recovery. The disease of addiction affects the whole family. Those that have lived with our loved ones struggle know all too well the toll this horrible disease takes on the family. We are honoring Chris’ life by establishing a scholarship in his name with The Family Restored. Your donation will not only support the recovery of those in need but will bring hope and healing to a family struggling to find a solution.
It is our hope that Chris’ legacy will live on in our loving memory of him, through the countless acts of kindness he showed in helping others, through his inspiring creative art and in his support of those still suffering from this horrible disease. May his Higher Power hold him close and may he Rest in Peace knowing we will join him in time.
The Family Restored Scholarship Fund provides financial support for families struggling with addiction. To make a donation in Christopher’s name, please click the button below.