Christopher Lupe Owen

Christopher Lupe Owen died suddenly November 13, 2021, while racing toward the finish line of the Charlotte Marathon, Charlotte, NC. Chris, 26 years old, was loved by all. Born January 24, 1995, in Niskayuna, NY, and having moved to Charlotte, NC in 2018, Chris enriched and infused joy into every person's life he met with his warm smile, kind eyes, quick laugh, optimistic attitude, happy-go-lucky manner, good looks, and a kind, humble, positive spirit that put everyone at ease. Everyone felt good being around Chris!
Chris loved spending time with his father and sister learning how to ride dirt bikes and snowmobiling at the age of 3 years old and then progressing to motorcycling. Together with his father and sister, they had great adventures and created lasting memories. Chris was fortunate to attend NASCAR races each year with his Dad and shared many wonderful memories of boating, swimming and winter activities at their camp in Cleverdale, NY located on beautiful Lake George.
Chris also loved spending time with his mother hiking and camping in the high peaks of the Adirondacks, kayaking, boating the Erie Canal on his grandparent's trawler the "Caprice", cultivating an appreciation for a wide range of music while attending concerts, party planning and entertaining for the annual Halloween party that they hosted each year, vacationing each year in beloved Lake Placid and traveling together to explore Yosemite and other State and National Parks.
While attending Niskayuna School system, Chris and his best friends would spend hours playing stick ball on his street, basketball, Cal Ripken baseball and later earn the teams respect as a wide receiver for Niskayuna High School Varsity Silver Warriors Football team. Each Thanksgiving, Chris and his friends would have a friendly Thanksgiving Bowl to win the coveted feathered turkey award! Chris not only loved sports but also cultivated and fine-tuned his skill and artistry as a photographer. From the top of a mountain, he would capture the beauty of sunrises and majesty of the peaks or the poignant expressions of his friends with just the right shot.
Following his High School graduation in 2013, he attended SUNY Plattsburgh and graduated in 2017 with a BS degree in Marketing. Chris was affectionately known as "Hype" by his Alpha Sigma Phi brothers for his positive attitude and ability to light up a room just with his presence. They truly became his brothers and were all so extremely important to Chris and close to his heart. His dog Jake became one of the favorite mascots of the frat house and beloved pet of all.
Chris moved to Charlotte, NC in 2018 to seek adventure and a career in advertising. Chris' warm charismatic personality easily won new friends over and landed him in a cherished career in the Production Department with Tattoo Projects advertising agency where he was able to develop and hone his skills and talents.
He easily made many friendships in Charlotte, which resulted in numerous adventures including boating on Lake Norman, weekly frisbee tournaments, attending Bonnaroo concerts as well as many other music venues, weekends at Myrtle Beach, and motorcycle rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Chris adopted and supported the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets and the Charlotte Knights. Chris started running shortly after moving to Charlotte and his best friend from college, Ryan Norton of CT, flew down to run the Marathon with Chris. It was the first of what was to be an annual event for them.
Chris' family is devastated and heartbroken over the unexpected loss of his young beautiful life. He is survived by his mother, Sarah (Tom) Gibbs; father, Steven Owen; loving younger sister, Maggie Owen; and aunts and uncles including Cathy (William) Olohan along with children Caitlin and Michael; John (Scott Jerris) Jermano; Mernie Ein; Christie (Joe) Ritmo along with children Taylor and Nick; Shelly (Doug) Lupe; Bud Lupe and his many beloved cousins. Chris is also mourned by the loving Gibbs family including Thomas (Maryanne) Gibbs and the aunts, uncles and cousins who welcomed and loved him when he joined their extended family in 2017.
Chris is predeceased and welcomed into heaven by loving family including his grandparents, John and Martha Jermano (maternal grandparents); Amelia Owen (paternal grandmother); and Joan Lupe.
Calling hours will be held at Daly Funeral Home, 424 McClennan Street, Schenectady, NY Sunday, November 21, 2021, between 12 pm – 1 pm (private) and 1-4 pm (public). Mass will be at St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Rosa Road, Schenectady, NY Monday, November 22, 2021, at 9 am. Interment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Rt. 7, Niskayuna, NY. A Celebration of Chris' life is being planned for all of the many friends and family members in Charlotte, NC.
Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the Tribute Wall provided.