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Christopher Shaia Obituary

SHAIA, Christopher Joseph, 43, of Richmond, went to be with Our Lord on February 24, 2008. He is survived by his parents, Harry and Margaret Shaia; four brothers, Anthony Joseph and his wife, Mary, Gregory Joseph and his wife, Jennifer, John Joseph and his wife, Gada, Harry Joseph and his wife, Melissa; a sister, Anne-Marie Condlin and her husband, Andrew; as well as 20 nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and to whom he brought much joy. He was a steadfast Catholic who had a special devotion to the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. He spent countless hours in prayer. He touched many young lives through his career as an educator. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, February 28, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, with interment at Westhampton Memorial Park to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bridget's Catholic Church, 6006 Three Chopt Rd., Richmond, Va. 23226 or St. Joseph's Home for the Aged, 1503 Michaels Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Feb. 27 to Feb. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Shaia

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Eric Remington

March 7, 2008

To the entire Shaia family:

I was one of Chris' classmates at Collegiate and was deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing. At times like this, words cannot always express the things we'd like them to but I hope it helps to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris was a good friend and I have alot of good memories of him. I know his presence will be missed, but I truly believe the heart never forgets.

Please accept my deepest sympathies during your time of loss.

Stacey Penn

March 5, 2008

To Chip, Melissa, and the Entire Shaia Family,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. May God comfort you through this difficult time. Love, Stacey and Brooks Penn

Elizabeth Moore

March 4, 2008

To Chip, Melissa and the entire Shaia family,
You have my deepest condolences for your loss. I have very fond memories of Chris from the wedding and will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love!

Dana Zedd Levitan

March 4, 2008

On behalf of the Zedd family, I just wanted to express our sadness at the loss of a fellow classmate and childhood neighbor. Chris will be deeply missed, and we send our sincere condolences to the whole Shaia family at this difficult time.

Derek Short

March 3, 2008

I am saddened to hear of Chris's passing and want to express my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Chris was a kind soul and will be missed by all. -Derek Short & Chad

Patrick Belcher

March 3, 2008

A true loss, but what a blessing to think of the positive affect he had on so many people's lives. My prayers are with you.

Cassie Wigand

March 2, 2008

There are no adequate words. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Pat Reese

March 2, 2008

To all of the Shaia Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies regarding Chris' passing. You all have made me feel so welcome when I have had the opportunity to come to Richmond and visit Chip and Melissa. I will always remember being at Mass with the Shaias when I came down for Chip's 40th birthday celebration. Please know that my thoughts and prayers, along with those of my parents, are with you now and always.
Love,

Kathy Wood

March 1, 2008

Chris taught my son at St.Christopher's School.He was a wonderful teacher and advisor-we will miss him.K.Wood

Kevin Shea

March 1, 2008

Dear Chip, Melissa, Shaia family and Friends,

I did not know Chris well; I met him and the Shaia family at Chip and Melissa's wedding. I met Chip when he was a freshman in college, and was always struck by his sense of balance and perspective. Chip was a remarkable representative of his family, and his love and admiration of his entire family was a most impressive feature of Chip's life and personality.

Meeting the Shaia family at the wedding was a memorable experience, because of their love and devotion to each other.

I am truly sorry for your loss.

Kevin Shea

We will always love you and miss you Uncle Chris!

March 1, 2008

Anne Byrne Talley

February 28, 2008

To the Shaia Family,
I have struggled how to sign this guest book. Chris and I were in the same class at Collegiate and had several discussions about our devout Catholic upbringing. It gave us such faith but could also sometimes be overwhelming. We had talks about how our religion gave us a great amount of strength and sense of family, but often it confused us. I can tell you that by Chris's passing , I feel compelled to embrace my faith once again. That is what he would have told me to do. I will miss his smile and feel blessed that the last time I saw him he was waving and laughing.

Anne Byrne Talley

Susan Bennett

February 28, 2008

To Anne Marie and the entire Shaia family, our prayers and thoughts are with you on your loss. Chris was our son Rob's math teacher, and volunteered his time to chaperone many student activities, he was a totally giving person to the students, and to those in need, and was always friendly and ready to help anyone, you are not alone in your grief. We are grateful to have known Chris, and are deeply saddened by his untimely passing.

Maryann and Howard Barnes

February 28, 2008

The entire Shaia family is in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept our deepest sympathy on your lost.

Melanie Moore

February 28, 2008

My mother and I were so saddened to learn of your loss. Your son and family will be remembered in our prayers. Melanie Moore and Therese Hopper (Perpetual Adoration).

Bryan Slater

February 28, 2008

To the Shaia family: May God comfort you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris was a good and kind person and will be missed.

Charles Sadler

February 28, 2008

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
- I Corinthians 14:33

It certainly can be difficult to understand the passing of a fine young man like Chris who maintained his faith and his character as an individual. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your sorrow and may your family find peace as Chris has.

Tina Moses Goode

February 28, 2008

Dear Harry & Margaret,
I was so sadden to hear about the loss of your lovely son, Chris. I did not get to know your children since I moved from Richmond,but knowing both of you as I was growing up, I know he was in a loving family. May God grant you peace and understanding in this most sorrowful time. My mother, Janice & I send our deepest condolences.
Tina Moses

Lynn Carey

February 28, 2008

To the Shaia family, Please acccept my most heartfelt sympathy at the passing of your loved one, Chris. I pray in time your saddened hearts will lift and be filled with fond memories of Chris. Chris will forever be in your hearts as you all are forever in his. May God Bless you all today and always, Lynn Carey (patient of Dr. Harry Shaia)

Lin Daniel

February 28, 2008

Mr. and Mrs. Shaia I am so very sorry for your great loss. I can only imagine the grief that you are experiencing. But I and you have the assurance that your son is with the Lord and one day you will be with him again.
Sincerely, Lin Daniel

Susan Ann & Gray Glass

February 28, 2008

Our sincerest condolences go out to the entire Shaia family. May your many loving memories of Chris and your strong faith in our Lord sustain you and bring you comfort in the years to come. We will keep you all in our hearts and prayers.

Paul Fisher

February 28, 2008

I met Chris on July 7, 1989. Although I moved from Richmond in 1996, Chris and I never lost touch. He came into my life when I was a lost soul. He shared his faith with me at a time when I desperately God in my life. This sharing of his faith, lead me to convert to Catholicism. Chris Shaia is one of the best friends I have ever had. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family at this tragic time.

Paul Fisher

February 28, 2008

I met Chris on July 7, 1989. Although I moved from Richmond in 1996, Chris and I never lost touch. He came into my life when I was a lost soul. He shared his faith with me at a time when I desperately needed God in my life. This sharing of his faith, lead me to convert to Catholicism. Chris Shaia is one of the best friends I have ever had. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family at this sad sad time for me. I will never forget him.

Andre Basmajian

February 27, 2008

The Basmajian Family has been blessed over many years of knowing Chris and other Shaia family members in Richmond and through the St. Christopher's School community. Our children were especially connected to "Mr. Shaia" - Chris, as teacher and advocate. He promoted allegiance and affection and Chris was clearly a special person to our boys during their Upper School experience. Our family will continue to recall those wonderful days and the tales of growing up in the Upper School with even more admiration knowing that Chris has passed onto eternal life. May he be the guardian angel for us all. Peace to the Shaia Family. Sincerely

Lucy Berndt

February 27, 2008

To the entire Shaia family,
My heart goes out to you at this time. I taught with Chris at St. Christopher's and ate many a meal with him in our cafeteria. He always had a smile on his face. It seemed like we were always discussing the hard topics like religion, politics, and economics. He would always let us know that Wednesday was card night with his father so he wouldn't be at dinner. He was a good friend to me, a good teacher, and well loved. Chris, I miss you already. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Lucy

patricia hunter

February 27, 2008

We are so sad for all of the Shaia family. Please know that we are thinking about you during this difficult time. Patricia and Jimmy Hunter

Mac Gambill

February 27, 2008

I am so sorry for this loss to your family. Mr. Shaia was a great teacher to me in high school, and I know that he will be missed by all who had the opportunity to learn from him.
Thanks for everything Mr. Shaia

Miriam Blackburn

February 27, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Alex Grymes

February 27, 2008

Mr. Shaia was an energetic teacher loved by his former students. He will be missed.

Jeanine Marretti

February 27, 2008

Mr. and Mrs. Shaia,

I am so very sorry for your loss and I hope you will find strength in prayer, and through God, to ease your pain

Sincerely

Jeanine Marretti (Spinella, Owings & Shaia)

David MacMillan

February 27, 2008

Chris was a warm and thoughtful person who combined a sharp intellect with an infectious personality. He was a good friend and classmate, and I will always remember him fondly. May the Shaia family be comforted by God's presence and Chris's place in His Kingdom. My best wishes to you all.

Patricia Twohy Sharpley

February 27, 2008

To all of the Shaia family, I send my thoughts and prayers. Chris was a close friend at Collegiate and at U.Va.
I was extremely homesick our first year at U.Va. and spent alot of time visiting Chris for support. He helped me "squeak" by in our inorganic chemistry class. It all came so naturally for him and he always graciously acted like we were studying together when in reality , he was tutoring me. I will miss his open smile and the way that he always made me feel so comfortable.We had so many happy times together in Richmond and Charlottesville. God bless you all.

Steve and Diana Kapral

February 27, 2008

Dear Harry and Margaret,
It is with the utmost sadness that we learned this day of the untimely passing of Chris. The outstanding Christian that he was will insure that he will be in God's hands forever. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Clark Farley

February 27, 2008

My thoughts and prayers will be with you in this difficult time. Chris was one of my favorite teachers while I was at St. Christophers.

February 27, 2008

To the Shaia Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.

Maria Pruessmann and family (Richmond,Va.)

Mary Pudner

February 27, 2008

Dear Mary and all the Shaias,

I was so sorry to hear about this tragedy. Chris seemed like a wonderful person.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories and faith bring you comfort.

Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Alana Prettitore

February 27, 2008

Dear Anne Marie and Family,

We are so deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of your dear brother, Chris, who was loved by so many. We did not know Chris but know your tender, caring ways and dedication to the St. Bridget Youth Choir and know that Chris must have shared the same wonderful character and demeanor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

With Deepest Sympathies,

Alana Prettitore and Family

Lisa Coleman

February 27, 2008

Anne Marie and Family,

Death is never easy especially when it's a family member. My heart and thoughts are with you. May Chris' spirit soar with each of us.

February 27, 2008

To the Shaia Family,

I join you in your sorrow. Praying to God for his soul and his family for his Divine Mercy.


Rosario M. Flores (Little Sisters of the Poor)

Catherine Hughes

February 27, 2008

To the Shaia Family,
Chris was a good friend/classmate at Collegiate. We had lots of laughs together. He also taught my oldest son Algebra at St. Christopher's a few years ago; he was a wonderful teacher! My family will miss Chris. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Catherine Laughon Hughes (Collegiate '82)

Julie Devine

February 27, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

Liz Kosteski

February 27, 2008

Margaret and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. May you be comforted to know Christopher saw the face of God. Know my prayers are with you in this most difficult time. May the Divine Mercy give you comfort and peace. With love, Liz Kosteski

Jill Remington Powers

February 27, 2008

This is tragic news indeed. Please, Lord Jesus, be with the Shaia family during this awful time. Comfort them with the knowledge that Chris is with you in our Father's house, and fill their hearts with peace. Friends far and wide are praying for them.

charles friedman

February 27, 2008

Sue and I express our deepest sympathy.
Sue and Charles Friedman

David Cooke

February 27, 2008

Our deepest condolences to the Shaia family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Bubba Paris

February 27, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you as a family in this sad time. As someone who recently lost a sibling I know how difficult this time can be. Finding strength in family and friends will see you through. My condolensces to you.

Anthony & Careme Deep Deep

February 27, 2008

Dear Harry and Margaret, We were so saddened by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of Chris. Careme and Tony Deep

Suzie Lublin

February 27, 2008

I am sorry for your loss.

Randy Reynolds Jr

February 27, 2008

We were all shocked and saddened by this news. We pray for the surviving Family members and wish them well during this tough time.

Angelo Jimenez

February 27, 2008

I really enjoyed Chris's friendship. I had a back injury and Chris was right there to give me advice since he had experienced back problems also. I really appreciated his efforts to help when I needed it. He will surely be missed by everyone who had the priviledge of meeting him.

Mary Ann Essid Ryan

February 27, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the Shaia Family.
May the Lord that Christopher served and loved while in this inperfect world grant them the knowledge that their son, and brother is in His presence.

Marie Truda

February 27, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

DR. DAVID CRITTENDEN

February 27, 2008

MAY THE LOVE OF JESUS SURROUND EACH OF YOU IN THIS LOSS & BRING THE COMFORT THAT ONLY HE CAN BRING! BLESSINGS & PEACE IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS.

Robert Key

February 27, 2008

To the family of Chris I offer my deepest condolences. Chris was a very special person and will be missed.

To Chris, rest easy my friend. Until we meet again....

Chris Clements

February 27, 2008

To the Shaia Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Tonya Hawkins

February 27, 2008

My prayers are with your family. May God give your family comfort and strength. Although Chris's stay on earth was short, he helped to change this world for the better. The students he taught are better people because of the love shown.

Diane Deeb- Clay

February 27, 2008

When Chris became my neighbor before I got married, I would run into him and he was never without a smile and always had something kind to say. He was a very warm and sincere young man - one that any parent would be proud of! There is no bond as great as that between a child and parent. Our deepest condolences are with you and your family as you grieve. May God bless you all during this difficult time.

charles friedman

February 27, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathy on your lost.
Sue and Charles Friedman

Anita Shaia

February 27, 2008

Grace and peace be with you today, tomorrow and always!

Erik Gardner

February 27, 2008

Chris was a very kind man and a good friend to me. Since we met two years ago, we spent a lot of time hanging out and listening to music (I will never be able to hear The Moody Blues again without thinking of Chris) and talking, mostly about faith. As a lapsed Catholic, I found his attitude to be a refreshing inspiration. His influence is one of the main reasons I returned to the Church which is something for which I will always thank him. I was aware that Chris had personal sorrow but he always managed to stay upbeat and positive. Chris constantly spoke about his family with great pride. I will miss you Chris - thank you for being my friend! Erik

Amy Cavender Turpin

February 27, 2008

I am deeply saddened by Chris's untimely and unexpected death. While I hadn't seen Chris in a few years, I remember him well from years passed. He was a good person: smart, funny, and energetic. I am so sorry for your loss.

February 27, 2008

The entire Shaia family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Eliasek Steinbach

Dick Kemper

February 27, 2008

To the Shaia family. I to will miss Chris. He was a special friend and a wonderful teacher that help children develop a love for learning.
I'm sorry I cannot be with you to celebrate the life of Chris as I'm out of town for the week. My daily prayers will be for the soul of Chris and for the family he leaves behind. God Bless a wonderful person. Coach Dick Kemper

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