Chris La Polla

Chris La Polla Christopher David La Polla entered this life in November 1945 in Birmingham, Alabama, and left us for his eternal life April 9, 2016. He danced between the Raindrops Born into poverty, Chris determined at an early age never to let adversity keep him down. He and his parents, brother and sister made their move to southern California in the late 1950's, where his father abandoned the family. Chris took over as the breadwinner and father to his two brothers and sister at the age of 16. He worked two jobs to support them, often their sole caretaker due to his mother's illness. But he remained optimistic, studied hard, and eventually earned his real estate broker's license. The Vietnam draft in the early 60's interrupted his career ambitions, but on receiving an honorable discharge, he continued his remarkable journey of courage and faith. Always the consummate entrepreneur, as a young man Chris designed and opened the first discotheque in Los Angeles, in addition to pursuing his real estate business. He relocated to Ventura County in the mid 70's, opened another very successful restaurant and began yet another career in the mortgage lending business, becoming the leading mortgage loan officer in the area within a few short years. There he met his wife Cynthia, who was to become his lifelong partner in business, in life, and in love. Over the next 25 years they opened and operated mortgage and real estate companies in Ventura, Eureka, and Grover Beach, where Chris proudly served as the Chamber of Commerce President in 1998. He also enjoyed many years of fellowship in the Arroyo Grande Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris fellow in Rotary International. He loved his country, food, old movies, and the LA Dodgers, in that order. Chris was a mentor and a treasured friend to many over his lifetime, and he was proud to say he had had the same friends for over 50 years. He never met a stranger, but also had the gift of being a good listener. He was passionate in his opinions and his politics, both a dynamic speaker and a talented debater. And how he loved to debate. There was never a doubt where he stood on any issue. He deeply loved his family and friends and was always ready to lend an ear or a hand to those who needed it. He is survived by the woman who adored him, his wife Cynthia; by his mother, Marie La Polla; sister Donna; brothers Steve and Rob; sons Greg and Matt; daughter Stephanie; grandchildren Nick and Zack, Allie, Ansley and Jack, Scott, Matthew and Claire; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will greatly miss his words of wisdom and special smile. Services were held April 20th at St., Josephs Catholic Church in Nipomo. Memorial donations in his honor can be made to the American Cancer Society. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries