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Christopher G. Gillam Passed away suddenly on August 16, 2008 in the arms of his loving wife, Kathleen after a courageous struggle with a degenerative neurological disease. Christopher was a deeply loved husband, father, friend, and prominent lawyer, businessman and philanthropist, who provided inspiration to all. Chris' wit, humor and love of life were infectious and shared with friends and acquaintances alike. Chris lived his life with love, generosity and integrity. A talented lawyer and businessman, he was true-hearted, kindly and a devoted man to his family, friends, God and country. Born August 9, 1941 Christopher Giouhlameti to parents Ligor and Katherine Giouhlameti in Syracuse, NY. Educated at the Jesuit institution LeMoyne College and a proud graduate of Syracuse University Law School in 1966, Chris served as the student body president that same year of his beloved law school. Chris remained a fervent fan of all things Syracuse - especially sports, throughout his life. Chris was buttressed by his devout faith when diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2001 and was steadied by his wife, caretaker Neil Vergara and many friends and family. His sturdiness, fearlessness and optimism during his illness were extraordinary, most recently demonstrated by traveling to his ancestral Albania and reuniting with cherished family members. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Gillam; children and grandchildren, Karen (Andy) Palumbo and Caitlyn Rinaldi, Cameron Rinaldi, Kelli Palumbo of Jamesville, NY; Kristen (Rick) Schultz and Connor, Skylar and Chandler of Darnestown, MD, and Gregory (Alison) Gillam, and Haydn, Hunter and Harris of Apopka, FL, and his children's mother and former wife, Sheila Gillam. "Now and always send sunrise out of me," wrote Walt Whitman, and for the friends and family of Christopher Gillam, he did. He will be forever missed. Services will be held Friday, August 29, 2008 at 5 pm at St. Gregory's Catholic Church, 2701 Hacienda St, San Mateo, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Pacific Education Foundation, 505 Montgomery Street, Suite 1135, San Francisco, CA 94111.
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