Christopher Kostoss

On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, Captain Christopher Kostoss died by suicide. Chris was born on October 16, 1972. At the time of his death, he had been a New York State Forest Ranger for 23 years. Chris was also a dedicated member of the Wilmington Fire Department for over 10 years. He loved living and working in the Adirondacks. In his spare time, he enjoyed many outdoor pursuits such as gravel bike riding, swimming, hunting, skiing, and playing with his dog.
Chris was an introspective minimalist who could often be found shelling and eating peanuts at the kitchen counter. Never fond of grocery shopping, he was known for his creative culinary efforts. His house was decorated with an eclectic mix of objects he found while hiking and his doodles.
He was actively involved in suicide prevention among law enforcement. Chris was a loving father, a loyal and caring friend, a dedicated Ranger, and a good person. His manner of death does not change that. He believed in destigmatizing talk about mental health and believed that seeking help for mental health should be a routine part of health care. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Kostoss.
He is survived by his daughters Madison and Emily Kostoss; his mother Sara Kostoss; his sisters Jennifer Stapleton, Sara Kostoss, and Tiffany Blair; as well as two nephews, Owen and Nathan Stapleton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.supporting.afsp.org
A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, NY with full law enforcement honors.
Services were entrusted to Zaumetzer Funeral Home, PO Box 127, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks, NY 12912.