Christopher J. Lanieri

April 25, 1934 - January 5, 2022 At 87 years Chris passed away peacefully in his home from congestive heart failure. He is survived by his wife Paulette of 47 years, brother Al Lanieri (Jennie) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Frances Campanella Lanieri, father Phillip Lanieri, 7 brothers, 1 sister and 4 nephews. He was born and raised in Long Island, New York, the 2nd youngest of 10 children. His Dad died when he was 9 and he and 3 of his brothers were put in an orphanage where he grew up. Chris was an Army veteran and served in the Korean War. After returning home from that and nothing much going well he decided he wanted to see if he could make it on his own. At 23 years old he went to the Long Island bus terminal with his small suitcase and $80. He asked them where their buses went and what was the farthest place. He was told Los Angeles. He stayed on the bus for 4 days until it arrived in Southern Calif. where he remained. After doing odd jobs for a short time he 'accidentally' got into the motion picture business thanks to the Duke himself, John Wayne. He did a number of pictures with him, the first being the Alamo in Texas in 1960. He worked in lighting for 43 years until his retirement in 2002. He was a member of IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) Local 728 for 61 years. At the age of 40 he met the love of his life standing in line at Baskin Robbins ice cream on a hot July night. They were married 3 1/2 months later. They enjoyed fixing up one house after another and traveling but what they really liked was simply doing almost everything together no matter what it was. In his younger years his hobby and passion was flying. He earned every pilot's license from single engine fixed wing thru helicopter instructor. After his retirement he enjoyed volunteering at the Motion Picture Home in Woodland Hills, Calif. His outgoing, friendly personality, sense of humor and quick wit were enjoyed by many. He was generous in all ways, dependable and, no matter what was happening at any given time, had an unwavering love of life. He will be missed.