Christopher Charles Cipolla

Christopher Charles Cipolla, age 66, of Glenview, IL, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025. Chris is reunited in heaven with his beloved daughter, Samantha, who preceded him in death.

Chris was born in 1959 to the Honorable Carl and JoAnn Cipolla. He had a loving childhood in a full, lively Italian home with his 7 siblings. He grew up in Glenview and Northbrook, where he attended Glenbrook North High School and then Western Illinois University.

Chris proudly served the City of Highland Park as a police officer for 29 years. As the department's identification officer, he was a state-certified crime scene analyst and fingerprint expert, specializing in forensic investigations. Following a career-ending leg injury, he continued to serve the community in a civilian capacity with the Glenview and Wilmette Police Departments until the time of his illness.

Chris met the love of his life while on duty at Ravinia Music Festival, when stationed with a beautiful young parking attendant named Dolly. The two were married on January 16, 1985, and he continued to be a devoted and loving husband for his remaining 40 years. His four children thought the world of him, shared many of his same interests, and will always cherish the times and adventures they shared together. "Rocco" was an ever-present, patient, and fun Papa to his 3 grandchildren, who were always excited to see him.

Chris had a passion for music, food, nature, and books. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, space exploration, and all of Elon Musk's companies.

He will always be remembered for his compassion, calm, steady demeanor, never-ending "dad jokes", enthusiasm for the things and the people he loved, family rules (check in every Sunday, but don't call during the Bears game), and organizational skills that included writing most of this obituary. Chris was one of the good ones, taken much too soon, and will be missed every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Chris is preceded in death by his daughter Samantha, parents Carl and JoAnn, and brother Carl Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife Dolly, daughters Alexandria (Tommy) Simon, Carisa (Weston Roberts), son Anthony, and his adored grandchildren, Joseph, Samantha, and Autumn Simon.

He is also survived by his siblings Cara (Tom) Kretz, Marisa (Ron) Bergamasco, Michael, Gia (Glenn) Pierce, Lisa, and Lara (Jeff) Falconer, and his many nieces, nephews, and friends who cared about him deeply.

To honor Chris, in his words:
When an American lands on the moon for the first time, again, and then Mars, celebrate it with everyone, my family, my kids, and my grandkids. Bring out my rockets or do something in my honor.

Visitation Monday, October 27, 2025, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Services, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077.

Funeral Mass Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Church Street, Glenview, IL 60025. Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.

Donations in Chris's memory may be made to:
Sister Paulann's Needy Family Fund at Our Lady of Perpetual Help or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital