Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Christopher Verdi Obituary
Dr. Verdi, age 57, passed away unexpectedly July 20, 2012. He was the son of the late John and Dolores Verdi. Christopher was born in Montclair New Jersey. He moved to Arizona at age fifteen. He received his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Internal Medicine Residency at University of Utah. After completion of Fellowship in Hematology Oncology at University of Arizona, he remained on staff as an Associate Clinical Professor, researcher, and educator. In 1996 he relocated to Phoenix to join the Oncology practice of Dr. Devinder Singh, subsequently Arizona Center for Cancer Care. Dr. Verdi had a tireless calling for the healing of the sick and the practice of Medicine. He was a visionary and humanitarian. During his leisure he was surrounded by his horses and rescued Siberian huskies. He was an avid supporter and volunteer for Arizona Siberian Husky Rescue and Adoption. He is survived by his soul mate/wife Penny Baker, sister Andrea Faith, nephew Dylan Faith, niece Jennifer Caruso, her children Vanessa and Jordan, uncle Gino Simonetti, aunt Sandra Ferrise (Frank) and aunt Lorraine Strait (Bill). Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3527 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85310. In Lieu of Flowers the family requests donations to Arizona Siberian Husky Rescue and Adoption www.ASHRA.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Verdi
Shari HierDuffin
June 7, 2025
My dear Christopher, you gained your soulmate and I´ve lost my friend. I´m going to miss Penny so much. I know that you will welcome her. It gives me peace knowing you´re there for her.
Best love and forever in my memory, Penny Baker!
Your sister
May 7, 2025
Happy Birthday Chris. I miss you more every year. Love you.
Jeff Hodgkinson
January 17, 2025
sorry my # is 602-370-4840 - i cant seem to edit my prior comment - just noticed the error
Jeff Hodgkinson
January 17, 2025
Hello - My name is Jeff Hodgkinson. I am very certain this is the same Chris I went to Saguaro High School with. WE used to workout together at the Downtown Phoenix YMCA in 1973/4. I last saw Chris when he visited me while home from the Navy boot camp in 1976. Ironically I was thinking about him the other day and went to look him up. I was so saddened that he passed away. Wonderful he became a DR. If one of the family would like to contact me my # is 602-270-4840 as I would like to know a bit more about him. His sister, Andrea may vaguely remember me. Thank you Jeff H.
DD
July 20, 2024
Gone but not forgotten
Penelope
May 10, 2024
I celebrate your birthday with the fondest memories of those we shared together...evermore ..evermore ..
Chalet
July 20, 2023
Miss you Uncle Christopher! What I wouldn´t give to go riding (on a real horse or a carousel horse) with you again! Thank you for all the love you gave freely to all. You were such a kind, wonderful man.
Penelope
July 20, 2023
Here now as then.
We wait
We remember
We listen
We miss
We love you
Penny
May 9, 2023
Christopher
Vibrant memories of your prior birthdays flood my mind...on your birthday this year...another owl fledgling appeared. Daringly hopped from its lofty nest to his next point of landing...Mamma watched him closely..she stands guard to protect those she loves...I stand guard to protect all we loved...You are remembered..loved..and missed. Rest well...Peace...
Penny
andrea faith
May 7, 2023
Happy Birthday Chris,
I think about you often. I love you brother.
Penelope
July 20, 2022
Hours to days to years ; you are sorely missed. Praying you have found peace in your spiritual place; along side your Horses Siberian Huskies Family and Friends.
Love you.
Your sister, Andrea Faith
May 8, 2022
Happy Birthday brother! You will never be forgotten. I know how much your huskies, horses, owls and hawks meant to you.
Know that all of your animals are being taken care of as if you were still here. Penny has kept the Ranch running for the past 10 years. Penny knows that was what you wanted.
I think about you often. I will always love and miss you.
Penny
July 20, 2021
Embedded in this world are the physical remnants, tangible imprints of your footsteps. Hovering above , surrounding every moment remains the essence of your soul...your presence is near. My love for you never wavers...
Penny
Penelope Baker
July 19, 2021
When speaking to an angel linger on every though , each reminiscent of times well spent..
..until tomorrow..we will speak again.
Love, Penny
Marie Ponticelli
July 17, 2021
Dr.Verdi,
I can´t believe how long it´s been since you left everyone who loved and thought you were amazing!
I´ve been struggling with my health the last couple of years! I pray to you everyday since you left! I keep your memory alive because I always talk about the amazing human being you were with your patients! I will never forget you!
Marie
A Friend
July 16, 2021
Christopher,
I miss you. It's been so long, so long. So many memories I have that I will continue to carry with me. You were and always will be very special to me. I continue to carry you in my heart.
Nancy Edgell
May 10, 2021
Dear Dr. Verdi,
I have been thinking about you this weekend because it was Mother's Day weekend. My Mom, Lee Edgell, was a patient of yours. She loved your caring and your spirit. I would take her to see you and you always had the kindest manner with both of us. Mom became very ill after your passing and always said that she wished you were here to guide her to the end. She told me that not only would my Dad and daughter be there to guide her to the other side, but you would be too. Mom loved you and so do I, you helped her so much and I cannot thank you enough for that.
Penelope
May 9, 2021
My Dearest Christopher,
Each day, week, and year remind me of the wonderful human I was blessed to know and love.
When difficulty presents itself, I simply ask myself...what would Christopher do?
The best solutions always appear.
We, the horses, huskies, owls, hawks and myself miss and love you forever.
Penelope
Louise Pennartz
May 9, 2021
Happy Birthday Dr. Verdi. I will never forget the kindness and help you gave to my son Scott J. Moore, he was only given 6 months to a year. You continued to encourage Scott to stay strong and with your help and his family's love he was with us for 31/2 years. That was truly amazing for a patient with pancreatic cancer with everything that he did while continuing to work. The last visit with you Dr. Verdi, you took Scott's hands and told him how proud he was of you because you never complained and always cheered everyone in the chemo room up, being that you were always the youngest one there. As we left the room I shook your hand and noticed tears in your eyes as you said "your Scott was very special to me like you". I have always remembered that and when I went to your funeral a few short months after Scott's, it didn't seem possible that more patients would not have the best and kindest doctor there was. Rest in Peace Dr. Verdi, I will never forget you.
Andrea Faith
May 7, 2021
May 7th 2021
Happy Birthday Chris.
You touched the lives of your patients and their families. You were put on this earth to help people and thats exactly what you did. So many people speak highly of you and its well deserved.
Nine years, sometimes it feels like nine days. I really hope there is an afterlife and you can read all the messages that are in this book. You will never be forgotten, you will always be missed. I love you.
Lisa
January 13, 2021
He was truly a Man Among Men. He was my fathers Dr. He not only cared for him, he loved him. I know its been years now since he left you all. Yet he is still alive in the family of Dr Edward Sypherd. Some one told me , you have only truly died if your forgotten. Be assured this family will never stop remembering how he kept my father , not only alive but his old self. He for generations to come will be easily spoken of. He will never truly be gone from this family. He ( your loved one was such a shock to meet. With his long hair, easily spoken to and his love of his animals. So again i repeat myself He was and Is a man among men.
Penelope Baker
July 24, 2020
Penelope Baker
July 21, 2020
Mar Ponticelli
July 20, 2020
Dr. Verdi,
Oh how much you are missed!
I will never ever forget you!
Love,
Marie
Penelope
July 20, 2020
I love and miss you more with each passing day, my dearest, Christopher.
Penny
Andrea Faith
July 20, 2020
Its been eight years and I still think about you everyday. You were a wonderful brother and I hope to see you again.
Love, Andrea
jennifer caruso
May 7, 2020
Happy heavenly birthday. We miss you so very much. Love you niece Jennifer
Andrea Faith
May 7, 2020
Happy Birthday Chris,
I think about you often and miss you always. Love you forever.
Your sister Andrea
Donna Stack
September 4, 2019
I am saddened to hear about Dr. Verdi. I worked as a nurse at Arrowhead hospital. He always had a smile on his face and so kind to his patients, and a pleasure to work with. I can say he was my favorite Doctor to work with. To his family, I send my condolences. I am so sorry.
I <br />
Penny
July 22, 2019
Every Day I Love and Miss You.
andrea Faith
July 20, 2019
Still miss you everyday. Love you, Eda.
July 20, 2019
Another year gone by without you Dr. Verdi! You will be missed forever! May you Rest In Peace! Love,Marie
May 13, 2019
Dear Dr.Verdi,
I'm sorry I didn't post anything for your Birthday but I didn't forget you on that day. My life is overwhelming right now ... I am a caregiver for my mom and time just got away from me. I want you to know I will never forget what an amazing Doctor you were. You are always in my prayers! Please watch over all the people we love! I sure miss seeing you at my appointments! Thank you for my life.... I'm convinced your the reason I'm still here! I only wish you were too!
Love,
Marie
Andrea Faith
May 7, 2019
You would have been 64 years old today.
Happy Birthday Chris! It doesn't seem possible that it's been seven years.
This Friday Dylan and his wife Jill both graduate from NAU. Yes, Dylan got married.I would have loved if you could have been there, like you were for Jennifer. Sometimes I'll see a stranger who looks like you then I feel sad wishing it was you.
You will always be my brother, I will always love and miss you.
Your sister,
Andrea
andrea faith
May 7, 2018
Happy Birthday Brother,
Another year has gone by. You will never be forgotten.
Your sister
January 10, 2018
Dear Dr. Verdi
I had my check-up in December and I felt so sad that I'm never going to see you again in my life! I pray to you everyday to watch over mine and your love ones! You were an amazing Doctor and human being! You touched so many hearts! I really miss you.
Love,
Marie
your sister
January 7, 2018
Another year has gone by without my brother. Yesterday was moms birthday. She would have been 87 years old. Thank god for my kids. They are always there for me. I will never stop missing you.
Andrea Faith
November 15, 2017
Christopher J. Verdi
May 7th 1955 - July 20th 2012.
Catherine M. Yanni
Sept. 12th 1959 - July 20th 2017.
Exactly 5 years between the death of my amazing brother, and my best friend.
May you both rest in peace.
You are both alive in my heart.
July 30, 2017
Christopher it's been 5 years? You are sorely missed but I'm sure the lessons we learned from you live on. Safe haven, Christopher (and Bill).
Shari
Penelope
July 29, 2017
Five years ago we honored your memory and your accomplishments. Terribly missed Christopher you are always in my thoughts. Today you sent a reply; a message delivered by your horse: " Be strong , persistent , never quit. Take care of those we loved and those who need you the most. Remember I am always close. When it's time; I will see you again." Yes, I will care for the horses, huskies and wolves; and those whom need us the most. I will have you there beside me every step of the way.
Julie Rubek
May 26, 2017
May 22, 2017
Aww, Christopher, you have the BEST Soul Mate. I'm sure you will be together again!!!
Shari
Marie Ponticelli
May 8, 2017
Happy Birthday Dr.Verdi..... I still miss you so much! I will never forget that you saved my life and each day I am thankful for it! I only wish you were still here! I was thinking if all your patients miss you how your family must miss you so much!! You left your mark on so many who loved and cared about you. Please Rest In Peace!
Love,
Marie
Kimberly
May 7, 2017
Happy birthday Dr. Verdi! In your memory I will watch Spongebob and listen to Black Flag. Miss you!
Penelope
May 7, 2017
Christopher,
I Celebrate your Life . I Remember every Moment . Today I Celebrate Your Birthdate, and Your Legacy. I Celebrate with the Huskies, the Wolf , the Horses, the Hawks and the Owls. The Bond is Strong. The Bond is Eternal. When we Meet again We shall Celebrate Together. Wishes for Your 62nd Birthday Kiddo, I Love You.
Andrea
May 7, 2017
Today would have been your 62nd birthday. Happy Birthday Brother! You will be missed always. I have good memories of the times we had together. Love you now and forever.
March 22, 2017
Dr. Verdi,
You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. You were the Best!!!! We think of you so often and miss you so much. We were so blessed to have you as our Dr. and everyone who had you felt the same way. Ray in Sun City West, Az.
March 21, 2017
Thinking of you.
March 21, 2017
Love Burns Brilliant
Penelope
March 21, 2017
Each moment you are present in my every thought......only a thin veil separates the tangible
Eda
March 18, 2017
Nothing has changed. I still miss you everyday. Just knowing you and I were still together after the deaths of Georgia, mom, and dad was a comfort to me.
Your birthday is coming up soon. You would have been 62. You should have been here to help many more people.
I can't change that, wish I could.
I am so proud of you and what you accomplished in your short time on earth.
Love you forever and ever.
July 21, 2016
Dr. Verdi,
You are missed and thought of everyday! I am alive because of you and God. I miss you and all our talks. You were an amazing man!
Love,
Marie
Penelope
July 21, 2016
Love Burns Eternally
Penny
July 21, 2016
Never a day shall pass during which you are not in my constant thoughts. Prayers and Love Eternally.Penny
July 20, 2016
It's been 4 years since you passed away and I still can't believe you're gone. My heart is still crushed and I often wonder if it will ever be the same. You were my hero, my friend, and a light in my life. I will never forget you or the fact that in more ways than one you saved my life. Thank you for being such an amazing person, I miss you terribly. With all my love.. <3
May 8, 2016
Happy belated birthday. I watched Sponge Bob in your honor. Love and miss you to the moon.
May 7, 2016
May 7, 2016
Christopher you remain immortal.
My love for you is not limited by space nor time. A thin veil divides us; we celebrate this date of your birth together, in spirit.
Forevermore my love, Penny
Marie
May 7, 2016
Happy Birthday Dr.Verdi,
I really miss you and our 6 month talks. It's been a sad time for our family... I lost my brother-in-law Paul who was more of a brother to me. It never gets easier. I was thinking how I would have told you about him and how sick he was. He never even got to meet his first grandbaby! Someday we will talk again!
Love,
Marie
Andrea
May 7, 2016
Happy Birthday Chris,
I will never forget how you remembered my birthday every year. You and Penny would take Dylan and I out for a dinner celebration. The Spaghetti company. The staff sang Happy Birthday to me. Embarrassing, but it made me feel good because I knew you were thinking of me. Durant's where we ate steak and Sassi's where we could be Italian together. I miss you so much. I know a lot of people also miss you. I hope some how you can feel all the love you have coming to you from everyone left behind. Nothing has changed. Your horses and huskies are being cared for as if you were here. That will continue. I know that would make you happy. I think about you everyday. All the concerts we went to together when we were young, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Yes, the list goes on. Memories I cherish. You will never be forgotten.
I love you,
your sister
May 1, 2016
I still miss you so much Dr Verdi. So many things remind me of you. I found a birthday card that was signed by the entire office and you made reference to Black Flag! I just sat there and laughed. Great memories. I will forever miss you. All my love.
April 30, 2016
You are thought about daily. So many people miss you.You would be so proud of Dylan. He reminds me of you in a lot of ways.If there is life after death,I have so much to tell you!
November 4, 2015
Hi Dr Verdi. You have a new angel to take care of up there. Her name is Callie and she is 14 years old. I'm sure she is scared but I know you will guide her just as you guided me. I miss you very much and think of you often. Take care of Callie for me. Sending all my love.
Marie
July 22, 2015
Dr. Verdi
I posted a message yesterday and have not seen it! But I wanted you to know that I remembered you yesterday and I pray to you each and everyday!!!! I miss you!
Love, Marie
July 22, 2015
Always thinking of you, always.
Penny
July 21, 2015
Christopher,
Never forget ,your heart and soul are embedded with mine eternally. Despite such I miss your physical presence, your strength and courage.
Rare are humans like you on this earth.
I pray daily that you have found respite .
God grant you continued rest.
I love you and miss you.
,
July 21, 2015
Chris,
I love you and think about you everyday.
Love,
Your sister.
May 8, 2015
Happy Birthday, Dr Verdi. Thinking of you today and sending all my love. I miss you.
Andrea
May 7, 2015
Happy Birthday Chris,
You will be remembered every year.
I love you.
Penny Baker
May 7, 2015
Blessed was the world with your birth sixty years ago today.Endlessly I feel your presence.Eternally I send you my love.
May 7, 2015
Dear Dr. Verdi and your Family.
Well today is your birthday and I wish I can say "Happy Birthday to you in person!
I have so many wonderful memories of you as my Doctor and I am alive today because of you. I know I owe you my life and I will always remember that and be thankful for you. You had a heart of gold and I always enjoyed our talks. So many memories to cherish...not many Doctor's give that kind of care to their patients. You were exceptional!!
Nevertheless.....Happy Birthday!
Love,
Marie
Andrea Faith
April 24, 2015
Thank you to everyone who share their feelings about my brother Chris. I feel very lucky to have so many people who love,care, and think so highly of my brother.
April 23, 2015
Dr.Verdi- Haven't seen you for a few years and my wife has been pestering me to go see you. I called your office and the new receptionist told me that you didn't have your practice there any longer. So, back to Google, looking for you when I ran across your obituary. You've been gone for almost 3 years now and I am so sorry. You were one of the smartest people, doctors or otherwise, that I've ever known. God bless your soul and thank you for taking care of me and the hundreds, if not thousands, of other patients who now enjoy a better life because of you. God bless you.
Andrea
April 23, 2015
Your birthday is coming up in May.
Once again your famiy will gather to honor your memory. We all miss you and love you.
My Mom, me, and my daughter
Nancy Edgell
February 17, 2015
As I read over the heartfelt and loving messages to you and about you the tears appear in my eyes. I lost my wonderful Dad twenty years ago yesterday to cancer. In June 2013 and September 2013, I lost my daughter and my Mom respectively. My Mom, Lee Edgell, was your patient. You were her light, as you were mine. You gave her to us for much longer than we expected. To me, she passed from a broken heart. My husband and I wander this earth with our memories and our tears. My daughter, Andrea was my husband's stepdaughter for only 3 years. They loved each other as father and daughter. I know that we all feel our own forms of pain but the light brought to us by those we love is bright, May your family find peace.
February 16, 2015
Your room was painted light brown. You had NY Yankee Pennants on the wall near your bed. A small round cactus sat on the window sill. Your stand alone metal closet housed your chemistry set. You had a wooden desk and a dresser. A five gallon fish tank set up on the dresser. A part of your ceiling was slanted like so many houses back East. You wore long sleeved green pajamas. You had a blue and white pillow filled with feathers. You were my brother and I will never forget you.
February 5, 2015
Dr Verdi,
I had a dream about you last night. It was so real that I woke up crying. I miss you dear friend and love you . Always have and always will.
jennifer caruso
December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas Uncle Chris. Miss you everyday. Love jennifer
December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas Dr Verdi ?
Marie Ponticelli
December 24, 2014
Dr.Verdi,
Thank you for giving me another Christmas with the people I love! I still miss seeing you every six months and I miss our talks! To me you will always be an amazing Doctor!! Love Marie
Mauricio Pineda-Roman
December 23, 2014
You are missed.
December 17, 2014
You may be gone but not forgotten.
your sister
October 18, 2014
Not a day goes by without thoughts of you. I want so much to believe we will see each other again. I would give you the biggest hug and tell you how much I love you.
September 2, 2014
July 21, 2014
Dr. Verdi
still can't believe you are gone. I think about you often and when I want to refer a patient to a fabulous oncologist I think of you and then realize this reality of you are not with us here in earth. God bless you Dr. Verdi
July 21, 2014
Two years ago I lived through the hardest day of my life.
Chris, you will be happy to know that your huskies and horses are being cared for as if you were still here.
Your family misses you and will love you forever. We will never forget you.
I have all the letters you wrote to me over the years while you were going to school. I treasure them.
You meant a lot to many people.
I hope to see you again someday.
I love you, Eda.
Marie Ponticelli
July 20, 2014
Dear Dr.Verdi,
Today makes two long years I lost MY great Doctor . I can only imagine what you family is feeling if me just being your patient feels lost without you and the feeling of comfort in your confidence as a Doctor and your personality as a human being. Your smile and your generosity will always be missed and remembered.
I continue to pray for you and your family! I also keep in touch with your sister who is kind hearted like you!
Love,
Marie
Kim Fox
July 20, 2014
Dr Verdi,
It's been two years since you left and I still can't believe you're gone. My heart is still crushed and I often wonder if it will ever be the same. You were my hero, my friend, and a light in my life. I will never forget you or the fact that in more ways than one you saved my life. Thank you for being such an amazing person, I miss you terribly. With all my love..
May 9, 2014
Just thinking of you
May 8, 2014
Christopher,
You remain immortal, ageless and alive in our every thought.
Penny
Eda
May 8, 2014
Happy Birthday Chris,
Penny and I went to Spaghetti Co. tonight and spent four hours talking, crying and remembering what a wonderful brother, soul mate, uncle, son, and doctor you were. You will never be forgotten. I Think about you everyday. I love you forever and ever.
Marie Ponticelli
May 7, 2014
Dr. Verdi,
I am always thinking and praying for you and your family! I know today has to be very hard on them! I want to say "Happy Birthday" to you and I even have an appt. today and it will be one of the hardest tithings to not see you! I am hoping you will be my Guardian Angel and help me!
I will always miss you and heaven may have gained a genius but we still needed you here!
Love,
Marie
Kim
April 21, 2014
Thinking of you
March 23, 2014
Christopher,
We miss you and time does not heal that wound.
Love you, Penny and all of the whole Pack of wolves, huskies and horses.
March 22, 2014
This year you have been joined by a couple of great guys Dr Verdi. My husband Dan and Heathers husband Frank. You were all too young to leave us. Still missing you. The Plant Lady.
Marie
March 22, 2014
Praying to you everyday!!
Andrea
January 20, 2014
Chris,
I love you and miss you everyday.
Kimberly Fox
December 30, 2013
Dr Verdi I still can't believe you're gone. It's taken me well over a year to be able to write this. My heart is crushed. I loved working for you at ACHO. We were always able to talk about football and punk rock. Oh by the way your Cowboys lost today but so did my Raiders and yes they still suck! You were an amazing Doctor and an amazing friend. Why did you have to go? I miss you so much. You saved me and I will never forget you. I love you to the moon and back.
Nancy Edgell
December 16, 2013
Dear Dr. Verdi and family,
You took care of my mother for so long. She loved your strength and caring, as did I. She passed away this year on September 30th. Her wish had been that you could have guided her until the end. Instead, you are guiding her now. We also lost my beautiful 25 year old daughter on June 14th of this year. We don't know what she passed away from, neither do the doctors. This season is very hard for us as it is for your family. May they find the peace, I haven't been able to.
Showing 1 - 100 of 206 results
Make a Donation
in Christopher Verdi's name
Memorial Events
for Christopher Verdi
How to support Christopher's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Christopher Verdi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
