Christopher Licavoli

Christopher Dominic Licavoli

09/02/1952 - 03/02/2025

Chris was born in Wyandotte Hospital September 2nd, 1952 in downriver Detroit to Evelyn and Dominic Licavoli. He was the 2nd of 4 children - Salvatore, Christopher, Marisa and Dominic. His early childhood was marked by time spent with his close-knit extended family. This loving and boisterous group of Sicilian-Americans prioritized hard work, family, and faith, and this shaped Chris' idea of what family should be.

From an early age Chris was interested in machines, space, building things, history, and trivia. He became an avid reader which lasted his entire life and he was known to stay up late reading most nights. He would often spend time with his dad helping with the produce business. After his dad died when Chris was 13 years old, the Licavoli siblings became very close. His teenage years were filled with learning to play the guitar, working odd jobs in his community, and participating in various high school sports and activities. At Western Michigan University, Chris cultivated many hobbies such as leather stamping, pottery, and music. He taught himself to play the ukulele, mandolin, and banjo. He noticed a young woman on campus named Linnaea, who took him to church where he heard about the "aroma of Christ" and decided to commit his life to Jesus. Chris earned his B.S. in Occupational Therapy, and he was the first one in his family to graduate from college. He married Linnaea Anderson in 1974.

Chris and Linnaea enjoyed outdoor adventures such as camping and sailing together. They set up their first home in Elkhart, IN and welcomed their first child, Michael, in 1978. Chris dove into his role as a father and delighted in caring for Andrea (1981) and David (1984) when they came along as well.

Chris was a committed and involved father. He taught himself how to coach Andrea's soccer team by reading library books on the topic. He also served as a Cub Scout leader, volunteered for the marching band ground crew, and helped with almost everything else his kids were involved in. Chris and Linnaea prioritized hospitality, and would regularly host a Sunday dinner for family, friends, and anyone in need of connection. Many and diverse people gathered around the dinner table to enjoy a savory Chris-creation. Chris loved to invite others into his passions - sailing, pottery making, woodworking, and playing music. He was a patient and encouraging teacher who was intentional about the time spent together. Chris was a true renaissance man and learned by doing. He channeled his curiosity and creativity to produce over 500 fine woodworking items, plus stained glass and pottery. He was very generous and enjoyed giving homemade items as gifts.

While being a dad, holding a full-time job, and being an active participant in his church, Chris completed his masters degree in Healthcare Management in 1985. He had numerous positions throughout his 48-year career in healthcare, ranging from chemical dependence rehabilitation, to home health management. Even in the work setting his faith in Jesus shone through the way he treated his patients, colleagues, and staff. He later was in charge of establishing Covenant Community Care's Moross location.

Chris loved being "Papa" to 9 grandchildren. He was known to invent stories at bedtime, to play whimsical games, and to be found amongst a gaggle of kids on the floor or have them piled on his lap. He was very intentional about demonstrating his love and affection. He weaved his faith into the time he spent with his grandchildren as he did with his children before them.

As a youth, Chris began serving in the church as an altar boy. In college, the Lord made Chris' calling clear through relationships with campus Christian groups and many mentors. Chris and Linnaea began attending Grace Community Church in 1991. Attending the Promise Keepers Conference on the Mall of Washington D.C. alongside hundreds of thousands of other men had a profound impact on his life and caused him to recommit to living his life for Jesus. His deeply-rooted faith was evident throughout his life and impacted countless people. Chris influenced many of these people through his leadership and service as a teacher and Elder at Grace Community Church. He served on two medical mission trips to Guatemala. He led mini church and small groups with his wife in their home and taught Sunday School. He was often praying for and counseling people, always pointing them to Christ.

Chis loved his wife deeply. They were best friends and learned a lot from each other. They communicated their love through affection and weren't shy about it in public. They made a great team, learning to grow as individuals and together. Their marriage spanned nearly 51 years and was both tried, and true.

Chris was a truly blessed man, and he had great joy in sharing his blessings with those around him. While he will be greatly missed here on earth, we rejoice in what God has done through him, and we rejoice that he has entered into God's lasting peace.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Grace Community Church in Detroit, MI on 3/8 with time to visit with the family starting at 10:00 am. The Service will begin at 11:00 am. Please visit gracewired.online.church to join us virtually.