Mr. Christopher L. "Chris" Usyk

MARCY - Mr. Christopher L. “Chris” Usyk, age 35, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2020 from complications of Crohn’s Disease. With the blessings of his parents, he transcended into the arms of his Nana who awaited him. Present were his mom, dad, and his two cousins, Lisa and Melanie. Born in New Hartford on March 23, 1985, Christopher was the son of Ronald “Ron” and Melanie (Scianni) Usyk. He attended Marcy Elementary School, Parkway Middle School, and graduated from Whitesboro High School/Class of 2003. He continued his studies and graduated from MVCC. Chris was employed by Vicks Lithograph & Printing as a stock person. He subsequently worked as a gas station attendant at the FER, and lastly he held a position as Assistant Manager at Dollar General. A responsible soul, Chris was meticulous in carrying out his duties and assignments in every job he held. He was also a caring, loving person and a gentleman at heart; his thoughtful acts of kindness were unsolicited and sincere. One of Chris’ frequent destinations was Dunkin Donuts, particularly the Whitesboro and Marcy locations. His order was unrehearsed and committed to memory, “Medium hot coffee/8 creams, 8 sugars” and “bacon, egg, and cheese wraps w/extra bacon”! He was an impeccable dresser donned with Hollister & American Eagle attire and a baseball cap worn backwards with shades affixed. He had an intuitive way of observing and reading people, and connecting with them in conversation. He was attached to his iPhone and was readily accessible. Chris enjoyed watching outdoor cooking shows from which he received tips to becoming a great grill master. He followed Google Preparation Guidelines, cooked to perfection, …and always asked for feedback! He was a connoisseur of comfort food, especially everything chicken wings, a good hamburger, and a medium/well done steak. He had to be selective about what he ate and drank due to adverse effects of his Crohn’s Disease. He looked forward to Christmas Eve at Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Ame’s where there was love of family and food galore. They were memories he cherished. Chris also learned the technique of grilling barbecued chicken over a Wood-Fire Pit with his dad and uncle at family parties and fundraisers. God gifted him a natural artistic talent that he used to produce impressive watercolor paintings. A left-handed artist, he often focused on sketching scenery. Chris had an affinity to nature and his outdoor activities and hobbies included snowmobiling, fishing and camping, especially at his great-great uncle’s pond, and tenting close to the earth and nature. He also appreciated the annual weekend at the Lake George car shows followed by shopping at the outlet stores, and concluding with his ice cream cone of choice, chocolate and vanilla twist. When he was able to, Chris attended Mass at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, and also at St. John the Baptist Church, Rome. His parents provided a great foundation for Chris, and he lived a fulfilling life. He leaves a legacy of resilience, reliability, persistence, and productivity in all his endeavors. He will never be forgotten. Christopher is survived by his dad and mom, Ron and Melanie; his aunts and uncles, Carol Cifarelli and the memory of late Joseph P. Cifarelli, Lorraine and Ame Jweid, the late Theresa and Franklin Stooks; LeRoy (and the late Patricia) Usyk, Linda and Peter Toth, Ralph and Maryann Usyk, Brenda and Robert Rybicki, and Russell Usyk and Lori; great-aunts, Delores Usyk, and Eva Usyk; cousins, Joseph and Elizabeth Cifarelli, John and Edith Cifarelli, James and Suzanne Cifarelli, Lisa and David Holmes, Melanie and Dr. Mahesh Padmanabhan, Carol Ann and Raymond Mahar, Eric Stooks, Mark and Martha Stooks, and Michele and Mark Kuchera; as well as his Usyk cousins; a multitude of great-cousins; childhood and longtime friends, John Slawson, Darrin Hill, and Eric Joseph, as well as others who were close to his heart; and his “adopted grandparents”, Ray and Grace Durso. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Larry and Anna (Moreno) Scianni; and his paternal grandparents, Jerry and Lois (Hennings) Usyk. The family is grateful to Dr. Jeffrey Albright, Dr. Thomas Vandermeer, and Dr. Crystal Whitney for their collective compassion and sensitivity in assisting the family during their journey; the nurses and staff at Upstate University Community Hospital/6I, especially nurses Jess, Sarah, Sean, Emily, Mary, and Russell; and Administrative Supervisor, Doris. Special thanks also to nieces, Lisa and Melanie for being with us, his parents, to the very end; and nephew, Dr. Mahesh for his medical expertise and knowledge every step of the way; they never could have gone through this difficult and heartbreaking time without his professional interpretive skills and support. Chris received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick which was a source of great solace. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to current restrictions, we will be operating at a reduced occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the Usyk family. Please follow our staff’s guidance when you arrive. Face coverings are required and contact tracing will be implemented. Christopher’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Face masks are required, and contact tracing will be implemented. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Chris’ memory may make a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org, or the Maynard Fire Department (whose members assisted Chris on many occasions), 9500 Maynard Dr., Marcy, NY 13403. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please take a moment to connect with Chris’ family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support. “We love you so much and will miss you. Life will never be the same without you. Until we meet again, you will always be in our hearts”.

Mr. Christopher L. "Chris" Usyk

March 23, 1985 - August 6, 2020