Christopher P. Cirmo, born Feb. 26, 1954, in Utica New York to Thomas and Philomena Cirmo, died in Amherst Friday, May 26, 2017, at the age of 63.

Born to a humble Italian family, he will be known for, above all else, having a profound impression on his loved ones as he did on total strangers. Kind, gentle, fierce and hilarious, his life was a story of duality; struggle and triumph, setback and accomplishment, sorrow and joy.

His family knew him as sweet and silly, deeply empathetic, deeply philosophical, yet profoundly down to earth. His colleagues knew him as patient and fair, encouraging and realistic, a talented listener, and above all, forgiving.

His contributions to science and education are as diverse as they are numerous. In relentless pursuit of academic rigor, his journey took him from power-plant worker to high school teacher to doctorate to professor to cited wetland scientist to Dean.

A great story teller, he relished in one simple truth – that every person has a story, a story which shapes them and those around them, influences their decisions, and which deserves to be understood.

Those who knew him learned so many lessons: that humor is every bit as important as intellect, that life isn’t always fair, that achievement is as much about bull-dog stubbornness as it is about excellence, that empathy is the very highest emotion, and that fishing is not really about catching fish.

He was a living testament to the fact that one should not take themselves too seriously, but instead to take life very seriously. You are so loved, Pa. Be at peace.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Cirmo; his children, Amethyst Sloane and Ethan Cirmo; and extended family, friends and colleagues.

A time of sharing memories will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 2, at the Boston Funeral Home in Stevens Point.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a memorial scholarship in his name. Online condolences and memorial details may be found at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.