Christopher Francis McConnico

Christopher Francis McConnico obituary, Rocklin, CA

Christopher Francis McConnico

Christopher McConnico Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 1, 2023.
Christopher Francis McConnico, loving husband and father, left this world suddenly on May 1, 2023, at age 44.

Chris was born to Janice (Allen) and "Mac" (James Bronson) McConnico. He grew up in Moraga, California along with his brother, Will, and sister, Sarah. His childhood summers were spent with his family at his grandparents' (Francis "Fran" and Gail Allen) ranch in Oregon. He enjoyed playing baseball, football, and fishing and hunting with his friends throughout high school. Chris met his wife, Jessica, in college and it was love at first sight. Their first date intertwined their lives forever. They were engaged two weeks later and wed the following year after their graduation from St. Mary's College. Chris graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, as well as Sigma Beta Delta honor society membership for high scholastic achievement. He went on to pursue a career in commercial real estate at Grubb & Ellis in 2004. His strong work ethic, confidence, and ability to connect with people took him from one opportunity to the next expanding his knowledge and expertise. This path led him to become Vice President of Leasing at Schnitzer Properties in Sacramento, where he found a company and people that shared his passion for family, teamwork, and excellence.

Chris maintained his love of the family ranch and he continued the tradition from his childhood by bringing his wife and children to visit often and share in his love of the place, people, and lifestyle on the ranch. As an adult, he became invested in helping the family maintain the property, build fences, complete various projects, assist with brandings, and eventually held a seat on the family corporation Board of Directors. This was a special place to him, and he cherished sharing that experience with his children. The ranch manager, Matt Damuth, and his son Cord Damuth, whom he had grown up around all those summers, became family to him after the loss of both of his parents. They held a special place in his heart.

Chris loved his role of being a father most of all. His oldest, Gavin, shares the same enthusiasm and love for baseball, football, fishing, hunting, and ranching. Chris spent all his time with his family and loved coaching his son's baseball teams over the last six years. He was always volunteering for field cleanup and prep and to host additional practices. He loved helping all the kids grow and enjoy the sport. As Gavin grew, Chris was able to share his love of "The Tree Lot" with him. For those who know Chris, this was his favorite job/hobby/family-away-from-family. Chris started working at Bob's Christmas Trees in his early 20's and it became his holiday tradition to go back every season. He loved the owners, Bob and Jackie Holland, and built friendships with many of the employees. His passion and love of the people and his time there was infectious, and he was more than happy to share that with both of his children who loved going with him. Chris' daughter, Savannah, is an avid gymnast and soccer player and Chris attended all her games and as many practices as he could. But, when it came to his "Lil Peanut," he also jumped right in to take her shopping, help braid her hair, and pick out outfits; her interests became his too. Her wild nature kept him on his toes; not only did he enjoy all things girly with her, but he also taught her to fish, ride horses, get dirty, and explore all the world had to offer. He had no problem cleaning the messes as long as his kids were happy and having fun. He was devoted to his family.

Chris was kind and generous and gave 110% in all his endeavors. He was the type of man who was quick to grab the door for another. If asked to borrow a tool he would show up, tool in hand, to help with the project. He could never stand by and watch people work without jumping in to lighten the load. His smile warmed a room and was so genuine. He was humble and always took the higher road in a conflict. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing. He was the best man, husband, and father and will be loved and missed for all time.

Chris is survived by his wife, Jessica and two children (Gavin & Savannah).

Chris, you were my soul mate and a part of me left with you. I will always treasure our memories and the beautiful life we created together. Forever in love with you.

~ Your wife Jessica

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November 7, 2024

Zach Rudolph posted to the memorial.

October 21, 2024

James Wallace posted to the memorial.

October 20, 2024

James Wallace posted to the memorial.

Zach Rudolph

November 7, 2024

One time Chris came over to my house while we were in the process of landscaping our hillside in Orinda. I´ll never forget how enthusiastic he was about digging a ditch. My parents wanted me to dig out a ditch to lay railroad ties for a retaining wall but I wasn´t to excited about having to do it alone. I had known Chris from BMX and he and I were friends at school, so I invited him over. He told me that up in Oregon on his Grandpas ranch that he had to do this sort of work all the time. We dug out this ditch about waste deep and talked about his family ranch while happily digging. He worked way faster than me and I´ll always remember his enthusiasm for hard work like on his ranch up in Oregon.

James Wallace

October 21, 2024

Gavin, Savaannah, I lost my father at sixteen and of course I still miss him. I've come to realize something that is, perhaps, obvious. No one gets to be an expert at losing their father because it is obviously something that will only happen to us once. That means that there is no right way to do it and no wrong way to do it. Any way you get through this, crying or talking about it as much or as little as suits you, is the best that you can do. You only have to get through it, and you will. My mom likes the parable of a big rock landing in a small pond. The rock will not leave, but the splash is over in a moment and the ripples will eventually subside.

James Wallace

October 20, 2024

Chris was always so warm and physically affectionate. He'd hug so hard you almost fell over and he was never afraid to say anything nice, which is a trait I wish we all had. You wanted to do good work in front of him so that he would feel that the world was running smoothly. He would insist that he was stupid until he was blue in the face but his quick humor and practical approach to problems told you that he was sharp as a tack, at least in the way that matter most. If he laughed at you, you felt that it had done you some good.

Gavin mcconnico

January 11, 2024

He was my dad and I just miss him

Phil Bailey

December 27, 2023

We only knew Chris through Rocklin little league as the "cowboy guy" until our son played for him. He was great with the kids and an awesome, kind man. I am writing this tonight because my son brought him up tonight and said how sad he was. He was his favorite coach he has had and remembered his last practice where a goat got loose on the practice field and Chris grabbed it and had the kids help chase and corral it so he could place it back into the open space. Condolences to all, he was awesome.

Single Memorial Tree

Carolyn Pistone

Planted Trees

Patty Schoenweiler

June 10, 2023

I just discovered Chris´ passing. For some reason he popped into my head today and I googled him. This is when Infound the devastating news. I knew Chris back in the Walnut Creek Sooets and Firness days. What a good friend he was to me and helped me through such a bad time in my life: Looks luke he had a beautiful family. I am so saddened by this news and my prayers go out to your family. Chris was definitely a special human.

JC Watson (Mac's brother-in-law in NC)

June 5, 2023

Jessica & family: so sorry to hear about Chris. I know he had a great passion for his family & the ranch. God is a great help in troubled times. Will keep you all in my prayers.

Paul Renker

June 4, 2023

Anyone who has ever known Chris, knows from the moment you met him, he has a big pure heart, real, honest and kind. What a blessing to have that kind of Love. Albeit too short, and not what anyone expected or ever would want. The light of Love and protection fill your home and your family with grace and ease.
Blessings!

Woody Wood

June 2, 2023

I only met Chris once or twice, but his depth and sincerity as a human being impressed me deeply. May he rest in peace. We pray his family will find all the support they need to carry on his traditions.

Kirsten Fischer

June 2, 2023

Jessica, I am so saddened by this news. May God protect your heart and send all his love & support to you and your children in this difficult time. Huge hug.

Andrea Reeder

June 2, 2023

Heartbroken to hear of Chris´s passing. We were friends from commercial real estate in the East Bay. Always considered Chris one of the best and a gem of a person who was honest, funny and a straight shooter. Always appreciated our friendship.
Andrea Landsberg-Reeder

Eugene McGrane and family

June 1, 2023

We were so saddened to hear of Chris´s passing. Chris was a wonderful friend. A devoted husband and father. We had lost touch over the years but those times we spent together as young people starting out will always hold a special place in my heart.

Sue Harbison Williams

June 1, 2023

So very sorry to hear of your families loss.

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November 7, 2024

Zach Rudolph posted to the memorial.

October 21, 2024

James Wallace posted to the memorial.

October 20, 2024

James Wallace posted to the memorial.