Christopher Taffera Sperling January 14, 1981 - April 4, 2013 From the time Chris was born, he survived on miracles and borrowed time. Some of those early miracles came through the prayers and support of countless friends and family members. Others were provided by St. Jude's Children's Hospital and UCLA Medical Center in the form of life saving cardiac care. Later on in his young life, they aided him through his bought with cancer. Once again he defied the odds and championed on. Chris was always willing to help family and friends through any situation. He was a devoted: grandson, son, brother, uncle, friend and animal lover. He was a talented IT Specialist and enjoyed his time spent working at Lightspeed Systems. Chris was also a musician and martial arts enthusiast. He helped train police and government personnel in Krav Maga and Arjukenpo. He will forever be missed by family and friends. He is survived by his grandmother, Bess Taffera (Shafter,CA); mother, Carla Sperling (Shafter, CA); father, Gene Sperling (Thousand Oaks, CA); step-mother, Laura Arnold; sister, Elizabeth Sperling Riddle (Simi Valley, CA); brother-in-law, John Riddle; nieces, Anaya Riddle and Sadie Riddle; uncle, Anthony Taffera (Fresno, CA); aunt, Sherri Reuser Taffera; cousins, Cameron Taffera and Matthew Taffera; aunt, Brenda Taffera; cousin, Joe Taffera (Bakersfield, CA); cousins, Andrew Taffera and Phillip Taffera; aunt, Debra Stockton (Bakersfield, CA); uncle, Kent Stockton; cousins, Jacqueline White and Michelle Payne; uncle, Bob Sperling (Bakersfield, CA); aunt, Debra Wood (Bakersfield, CA); cousins, Sidney Sperling and Dawneal Sperling. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, please contact St. Jude's Children's Hospital. By phone: (800) 805-5856; Online: www.stjudes.org; or by Mail: P.O. Box 1000, Dept. #142, Memphis, TN 38148. Please send condolences to the family and sign Chris's online guest book at www.GoldenValleyMemorialCare.com Peters Funeral Home, Shafter www.bakersfield.com/obits

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Published by Bakersfield Californian on Apr. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Sperling

15 Entries

Jared Fenton

January 31, 2022

So sorry to learn about this.

Even though I haven't seen you since high school, I still remember jamming with you, Chris. Despite your ailments, you were always smiling.

Til we meet again, my friend..

Debbie Montgomery-Smith

May 5, 2013

Dear Carla and Family, I am so sorry to learn you have lost
your son, my heart hurts for you. Your Parents were my life-line when I lost my dad when we were 14 and I think of you often. I'm so sorry Carla, Love, Debbie

Sam Cavalieri

April 23, 2013

My name is Sam cavalieri. My grandmother Louise Cavalieri is a Taffera. I had the pleasure of spending a few days with Chris in the early nineties at Aunt Mary's house. It was our only interaction unfortunately but I still remember it. He was a great kid and we had lots of fun together. I am very sorry for the loss of Chris and he along with family is in my prayers.

Paula Fanucchi

April 23, 2013

Carla,
Thinking of you and sending thoughts of sympathy during this difficult time.

Julie Brandon

April 22, 2013

Dear Carla,I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. You may not remember me but we worked together at Dr. C's many years ago. God bless you.

Jennifer Hill

April 22, 2013

Carla, I had been thinking about you the last couple of weeks, and kept thinking I should get in touch (after 30 plus years). I found your son's obituary and I am so sorry for your loss, but blessed to know you had so many years to share with him. I am in Houston now, but will try and get in touch. My prayers are with you and your family.

Linda Hamill

April 20, 2013

Carla and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Chris was a handsome loving young man..taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you. xo Linda Hamill

April 17, 2013

Carla, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Robin Enns

April 17, 2013

Carla, my thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Robin Enns

Barbara Gloeckler Higgins

April 17, 2013

So very sorry for your loss.

Stan Unruh

April 16, 2013

Carla, My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my prayers.

Tommie Self

April 16, 2013

Dear Carla, I was so sorry for you and your family to hear of the loss of your son. It sounds like he's had more than his fair share of physical hardships in his too short life. Please know that my prayers also go out to you and yours. I let a few others know as soon as I saw the first notice in the paper. When I saw your boy's photo in today's paper I was amazed at how much he looks like his uncle Bobby Sperling when he was young, but with your hair coloring. If he was YOUR son, he must have been a really good person. Take care. (-Crosby)

April 16, 2013

Carla and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I want you to know that even though I did not know Christopher well, he was in the jewelry store when I went in before my wedding and he gave me some awesome advice about where to go and what to do while on our honeymoon in Cancun. We did take him up on his suggestions and were very grateful. He was such a gentleman and ever so helpful. I know he will be missed by all.
Love, Bonnie Tucker

Michael Gates

April 16, 2013

Carla, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My prayers and those of so many others go out to you during this difficult time.

Jeannie Antongiovanni (of Lightspeed Systems)

April 16, 2013

I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Chris. I only knew him for a short while, but he was a genuine guy who always had a bright smile on his face- even while WORKing! :) My sincerest condolences for the loss of your loved one.

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