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Christopher Angelo Obituary

December 19, 1949 - May 19, 2020 Christopher Edmond Angelo, age 70, died at his home in Hermosa Beach. Chris was a passionate advocate for consumer and patient rights and the protection of the vulnerable. Some areas of law he influenced include a patient's right to sue to stop injurious, profit-driven rationing of medically necessary care; the unjust use of the arbitration clause to preempt access to state courts; a patient's right against tissue taking by medical researchers without disclosing for-profit patenting motivations; establishing duties on the part of commercial and industrial landowners to inspect for safety and toxic environmental hazards; and establishing policyholders' entitlement to discover insurer's internal loss reserves and reinsurance records whenever suing for unfair claims practices. He also focused intensely on jury nullification (the right of the jury to reject instructions from the judge and render a verdict according to their own consciences) and spoliation of evidence (the intentional, reckless or negligent withholding, hiding, alteration, or destruction of relevant evidence). Chris was also a fierce advocate for parents of children with developmental disabilities. He taught both parents and institutions how to effectuate insurance coverage for their children and patients with disabilities. He lectured to groups, spent innumerable hours counseling parents, and produced and donated a booklet called "For Our Children: A Lawyer's Guide to Insurance Coverage and a Parent's Call to Organize" (1998). Nothing made Chris happier than holding insurance companies accountable. But Chris always said his "greatest achievement" was his son Alex, whom he adored.Chris attended Hollywood High School, University of California, Riverside, where he sat on the Board of Trustees for several years, and Loyola Law School. He started his career as a defense attorney at Spray, Gould & Bowers, followed by Harrington, Foxx, Dubrow & Canter. He then moved to plaintiffs' work at Gage, Mazursky, Schwartz, Angelo & Kussman. In 1988, he and his partners formed Mazursky, Schwartz & Angelo and in 2003, he formed a partnership in Manhattan Beach with Joseph DiMonda. Chris had a lifelong love of traveling and made it to just about everywhere on his bucket list. His other loves include 18th century American constitutional thought, his family and friends, dining out, fine wine and scotch, and his church community at St. Cross Episcopal Church in Hermosa Beach. Chris is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patti; their son Alexander; sister Juliet Angelo of Pasadena; brother Mark Angelo (Kathie) of Vancouver, British Columbia; beloved brothers and sisters-in-laws; and, believe it or not, 13 beautiful nieces (and all their husbands), and 22 great nieces and nephews. He was a mentor and champion of them all.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on May 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Angelo

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Steve Clute

May 24, 2025

Always in our hearts! Thank you Chris, for all the great memories!!
Well done, my friend.

Alison E.

May 22, 2025

It´s nice to be reminded what a special person he was. He was a light to everyone who knew him.

James Mullaney

August 11, 2024

I played football with Chris at UC Riverside. We were also football roommates' for a couple weeks. I loved Chris. He had a wonderful sense of humor - so full of life and goodness. I last saw Chris at Loyola Marymount when he got his law degree. It was amazing how we ran into each other two years later. I was not expecting to see him at all. Another teammate and I carried Chris off the field when he suffered his knee injury at Cal State Heyward. Then he disappeared out of my life and then I saw him at the end of our senior year. God bless you Chris. May you reign in heaven forever with Mary Our Queen and Jesus Our King!

Frank Sariol

May 1, 2024

I knew Chriss from Hollywood High School in the 60s. He was a great friend, always with a smile on his face. I am sorry to find that he has passed on. I would have loved to meet up with him again in our golden years.

Steve Clute

May 24, 2023

Chris always made a difference in a most positive way. May his joyful spirit, always be celebrated!

Steve Clute

January 22, 2023

I was so fortunate to know Chris as a friend and teammate on the UCR Football Team! It was easy to see and appreciate his great enthusiasm and passion for any task he embraced-athletic or academic! All the best to his family.

Samuel Gage

January 20, 2023

Chris was a fine man and always very kind and good to me. I just now heard of his passing. Rest in peace Chris!

Ralph Baker Ph.D.

November 18, 2020

I was a student dispatcher at the UCR Police Department. It was a Sunday night after midnight and Chris walked in the door to turn himself in as he fell asleep studying in the library and when he woke it was closed. We assured him all was fine but he felt it was his obligation to let us know. I was a team mate of Chris on the football team and this story exemplifies two qualities I admired in him- he worked hard as falling asleep studying in the library attests, and he was honest to his core.

My condolences to his wife and family as you already know he was a good man and will be missed.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Alison Edwards

Planted Trees

Steve Clute

May 31, 2020

I played football with Chris at UC Riverside. Had a chance to see him again at a UCR event about 5 years ago. I was so happy to learn of the wonderful contributions he has made on behalf of society and individuals! What a Champion of Hearts and Souls! Remembering Chris as an enlightened student and outstanding athlete, I am not surprised by his amazing and inspiring accomplishments! Sincere condolences and thanks to Patti and Alexander and all Family for sharing this man of great vision, action and compassion! Chris Angelo, True Highlander ❤

Cherilyn Bacon

May 29, 2020

I knew Chris from Cheremoya Avenue School and then Hollywood High School. He was a smart and happy boy, very kind to all his friends from childhood through his teen years. And fierce on the football field. I hadn't seen him since except at a 20th reunion and then in 2018 at our 50th HHS reunion. We were able to catch up with each other and I could see Chris Angelo had never changed. He was till smiling, sparkling eyes and totally engaged in the people around him. He has contributed to society in ways that have benefited an untold number of people and his legacy will be felt for many years. My prayers are with Patti, Alexander and the family at this difficult time. May you find peace as well as the energy to go forward and live life as he lived his life. Chris, we are friends forever. Can't wait to see you on the other side! God bless.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Anil Deolalikar and UCR School of Public Policy

Planted Trees

Ted Ball

May 29, 2020

May God be with you my old friend. My prayers and loving thoughts will be with you and your family. I will cherish the memories of the short time we spent together in this life. Be at peace and may God Bless You.
Your memory will live in the hearts of many forever.

Sam Leib

May 28, 2020

Chris was everything a gentleman and a lawyer should be. When we were young and starting our careers he set the standard for a young lawyer with the intellect and aspirations to really make a difference. So admired. Our thoughts are with you, Patti and Alex. Sam and Rosalie Leib

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