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Christopher Ingrassia Date of Birth: April 24, 1973 Position: Trader, Equity Options People will remember the barrel chest, the wide-shoulders, and of course, the baseball cap atop his head. His physical stature was intimidating, but ask any of the ladies who knew him and they will tell you, his dimpled smile and bright blue eyes were disarming. Christopher Ingrassia was a big man, even beyond physique. You always knew when Chris was entering a room: not only by the eclipsing of the doorway but by the many “Ingrass!” shouts that would erupt. Chris was the guy everyone couldn’t wait to see. He made everything more fun. He had a natural way of connecting with people, and he made everyone around him feel welcome. So often laughing, joking, and smiling, he was a joy to be around. A wide mix of Princetonians expressed their concern and support to his family, revealing the impact Chris had on people. From his football teammates, Forbes and 1901 hall mates, DEC members, fellow economics majors, to people he met on the street, he charmed everyone he encountered. He was bright, considerate, and generous. Those of us fortunate to have known him well, however, will best remember his wit and ever-present grin. He was quick with one-liners, impish practical jokes, and invented nonsensical words (Chris-speak, we called it). He often said, “Go big or go home.” Chris did everything big, and it showed in his love for his family and friends, his love of the Giants, Yankees, and his enthusiasm for life. To go big meant having to take chances occasionally. It was one of these chances that sent him to the London offices of Cantor Fitzgerald for four years. He had returned to their WTC offices in February of 2001. During the time he was in London, we didn’t see him as often as we liked and we all looked forward to his trips home. Now, we all look forward to the day when the memory of Chris brings joy instead of sadness. We will get together without him, but we will never forget the many wonderful times we shared with our great friend. By Dennis O’Dowd ’95 and Ed Franowicz ’95 of Princeton University
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Tributes
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Chris is one of the respected co-worker I knew. He made the Fxoption desk laugh and all love him so much. They looked forward to seeing him when he came home and couldn’t wait to go out with him to games and everything else. I use to see that smile that he would give me when he walked into the office he always came to me to give me a kiss and a big hug. He was so smart that I remember when he just started at the desk as a Jr. Broker he moved through the desk like nothing and before you knew it he was doing the hardest job on the desk which was the link line directed to London. The other Jr, broker that he by pass did not mess with him Chris just took his seat right next to the pricer and the other guys that was ahead of him just looked at him and he said got a problem and they said no we don’t. That one thing about Chris he would take charge at anything that came his way. Chris got to interview my son Nestor which also worked at Cantor and the only thing he said to him was don’t make me look bad do good and you shall be rewarded and you know my son listen to those words and he did great as well. From that day on Chris and my son became good friends. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and everybody that came in contact with him in this world. I know heaven has a great angle beside them. Until we meet again my sweet angle.
With much love
Alicia LeGuillow co-worker and friend
When I arrived at Cantor in NY, Chris was being transferred to London. Although we didn’t spend much time together for some reason the time we did really sticks in my mind. I don’t know what to say, he had such an effect on every person who’s life he was a part of. I was transferred to London when he came back to the states and right before I moved Chris, myself and Tim Soulas went to Philly for a basketball game. I will never forget how much fun we had that night. The next day my face hurt from laughing, and my stomach from drinking…My husband and I miss him so much…I will never watch ESPN without thining of you…
Love, Rachel
Chris worked with my husband, John Salerno, AKA Pepe. They worked in London together for over a year and when they were both back in NYC, after several years abroad, they were together again on the equity options desk. I lost Pepe that day as well. When I think of where he was and what he was doing all I can hope for is that he was with Chris.
I spent a good amount of time with Chris. He lived with us in London for about a month. When Pep and I lived in Tokyo, he came to visit. We would have lunch just the two of us and then meet up with the guys after work. When we moved back to NJ I would see him every now and then.
I always looked forward to seeing him. He was just one of those people that you loved to be around. You did not have to know him to long to realize that either. There was such a kindness about him. Pepe and I truly loved him and we were proud to have him as a friend.
I have so many funny memories – one day I will share these stories with Chris’ family and my son.
Chris was truly a gift to the people that had the great oppertunity to know him.
My love and prayers to his family always.
Danielle Salerno
In conversations these days I very often find myself beginning a story with, ‘You should have known my mate Chris…’.
Chris was the friend everyone should have the good fortune to have in their lives. One of Nature’s Gentlemen he was friendly without contrivance; smart without condescension; understanding without judgement; generous without desire for reward; loyal without compromise.
I can honestly say that I have never heard a person say a word against Chris. He freely shared all his many talents, smiles, and laughs expecting no return except whatever people were willing or able to give. People looked up to Chris, and wanted to be like him. Generous and accepting – if there were more people like him in the world I am sure I would have no need to write this tribute today.
A year on from his passing, I miss my friend desperately, yet the thought of him always makes me smile. I knew Chris, and my life is better for it.
‘Go large, or go home’ he would say. Well Chris was larger than life! In our memories and the stories we tell of him he is larger than death as well.
Chris,
I have met your parents, they are such wonderful people. I feel blessed to have met them.
I lost my daughter Colleen Ann Barkow on 9-11
maybe the two of you are together in heaven.
There must be a special place for all Cantor loved ones.
Chris,
Happy Birthday in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 4/24/07
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Christopher ,
my father Vincenzo Ingrassia had relatives in new jersey . My family is from Palermo Italy and I live in the UK and I wonder if we are related
Our thought are with you .
God bless Christopher xx
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Christopher ,
my father Vincenzo had relatives in new jersey . My family is from Palermo Italy and I live in the UK and I wonder if we are related
Our thought are with you .
God bless Christopher xx
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Christopher ,
my father Vincenzo had relatives in new jersey . My family is from Palermo Italy and I live in the UK and I wonder if we are related
Our thought are with you .
God bless Christopher xx