CAPTAIN Christopher Vatidis - Cremation Society of Virginia

CAPTAIN Christopher Vatidis

Date of Death: December 14, 2020

CAPTAIN Christopher R. Vatidis, USN, (Ret.), our beloved father, a 26 year veteran of the United States Navy, has taken his final flight, departing this life on 12/14/20 after his battle against the coronavirus. Chris was born on 6/16/31 in NY, NY where he was raised working in his father’s restaurants, attended Cardinal Hayes High School, and met the love of his life and wife of 61 years until her death in 2016, Dolores Morello (Dee). After his graduation on a basketball scholarship from Niagara University in 1954 he was commissioned in the US Navy and began his career as a naval aviator.

Chris and Dee loved the travels, adventures, and lifelong friends that his naval career provided them. Together they had four daughters, Pat, Debbie, Donna and Chris, which he claimed was exactly what he wanted. He was a man of deep faith whose priorities were God, family and country. Chris’s naval career included a wide variety of sea (USS Hancock, Bonne Homme Richard, FDR, Wasp, Tarawa, Randolph, Shangrila, JFK) and shore assignments, but his true love and passion was naval aviation. A decorated aviator, Chris’s naval career was highlighted by over 4900 flight hours and 454 carrier landings while serving in squadrons deployed to the Mediterranean , Atlantic Ocean and the Vietnam coast. He courageously flew A-1 Skyraiders during two tours and 204 combat missions in the Vietnam war, during which time he was shot down and rescued. He was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for providing “gunfire suppression and airborne leadership which directly resulted in the rescue of a pilot downed….in one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam”. Following his combat tours he served as the Operations Officer of VA 43 at NAS Oceana, flying the A-4 Skyhawk, and later returned as Executive Officer, where he was instrumental in the conception, construction and dedication of the Oceana Flame of Hope POW/MIA Memorial, and then as Commanding Officer of VA/VF 43, transitioning the squadron to the VF designation in 1973.

Chris, Dee and their family especially enjoyed a 4 year tour in Naples, Italy, where he served as Chief of Staff for Plans, Ops and Facilities Mgt. on COMFAIRMED staff, and he completed his Navy career at CINCLANTFLT in Norfolk, VA as Director, Ordnance Logistics Manager, retiring in September 1980 as a Navy Captain. For his service to his country and the US Navy, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards) with combat “V”, the National Defense Service Medal (3 awards), Air Medal (13 awards), the Republic of Viet Nam Service Medal (3 awards), and multiple unit and campaign medals.

Following a position in New Jersey as an airline director of training, and with all the daughters launched, he and Dee moved back “home” to Virginia Beach, VA, where Chris enjoyed another career, as a realtor, before retiring again.

A devout Catholic, Chris served for many years as the head of the Parish Council at his beloved First Landing Chapel at Fort Story. He was active in, and a Regional Wing Commander for, the Hampton Roads Squadron, Association of Naval Aviation, and deeply involved in the building of the Virginia Beach Naval Aviation Monument. He was a life member of the Military Officers’ Association of America. A lifelong golfer, he experienced the thrill of a hole in one.

Chris was a family man who counted his wealth in the love and care that surrounded him and was never happier than with his beloved Dee and his girls, and upon their marriages loved his children’s spouses as he did his own children. He was an enormously proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren, adored his 4 great-grandchildren and was happy in his final days to learn of another on the way near his 90^th birthday. He leaves behind his children, Pat and Craig Johnson, Debbie and Darrell Bryan, Donna and Gerry Reuss and Chris Vatidis and Mary Barnes, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Brittany Bryan, Meredith and Sam Dibert (Sammy and Annie), Natalie and Shaun Foret (Finley and Austin), Cameron Johnson, Caitlyn Reuss, Cody and Tiffany Reuss, and Maddie and Max Vatidis. He missed Dee terribly following her passing and took great comfort in time with all of us. We are all so proud of his life of integrity, patriotism and service.

Chris will also be missed greatly by his loving family members in the Morello, Temple and Depietri families. He will also be remembered by Catherine Colgan, with whom he enjoyed happiness and companionship in his final years

Services during this Covid time will be private. At a later time, our beloved Captain will be buried with Dee at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

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I am so sorry to hear of this tragic news. I can only feel positive knowing that Captain Vatidis is with his love. To the family, know that you are in my prayers during this unfathomable event in time. My deepest sympathy. Renee

Our deepest condolences to you all. We first met Chris, Dee, and all of you girls when we arrived in Bella Napoli just in time for the 4th of July 1976 cookout in Carney Park. What a great way to meet all you new friends! John served as COMFAIRMED’s Aide while Captain Chris and lovely Dee were the “starring personalities” of that staff’s social scene. We never met a more inviting, fun loving, and memorable couple. Our daughter, Andi, attended Forrest Sherman High School and was a teammate in volleyball, basketball, track, and softball with some of you younger Vatidis girls. We didn’t see much of Chris and Dee after we left Naples because the Navy had other plans for us, but we were happy to find them again after John retired and we used Chris as our realtor when we bought a home in Virginia Beach. Chris and Dee were gracious hosts for a short stay in their guest room as we moved from Florida in 1993. They, and all of you, have left a lot of warm memories. RIP

Chris was the Operations Officer of my first Fleet Squadron VA-215. I checked into the squadron when it was aboard the USS Hancock conducting combat operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. Chris took me under his wing and helped this "Nugget" learn the ropes of combat operations. He was a patient mentor and became a good friend. We kept in touch over the years and saw each other at Squadron Reunions. Also, as a fellow hard core conservative Republican, we saw eye-to-eye on politics ! Chris was a fine Naval Officer and an outstanding warrior. I will miss him !

Sue and I wish to express our sympathies to you and your family. We know how much you loved and revered him, and we all will miss a great American

Dear Vatidis family, no words can describe how sorry we are for your loss. Chris and Dee were our friends from the time we met in VF-43 when Chris was Skipper, and Darryl was his operations officer. Chris was instrumental in creating the east coast fighter adversary program which “took off” after that, to many years of continued growth and service to the fighter community. Over the years, we kept in close contact. We had frequent dinner outings with Chris and Dee during which we all were updated on our families’ progress. Chris and Darryl flew together in “light” airplanes for a time and imagined they were back in their Navy airplanes. Chris, Dee, and the girls hosted Lucille and our girls in Naples while they were following Darryl around the Med. They were perfect hosts and treated us like family. Remember Chris meeting Lucille and girls at the Naples train station and while they were greeting, a Neapolitan thief made off with the luggage—typical Naples! In spite of that, the fond experience staying with the Vatidis’ resulted in us returning to Naples for duty. Chris then stayed with us in our Neapolitan Villa while he pursuing real estate prospects. When we returned to Virginia Beach, Chris found us a builder and sold us the home that we have lived in for the past 32 years. Darryl remembers Chris as a superb leader who was more of a coach than a director. Lucille remembers him as wonderful loving caring man and quite the gentleman. His good humor and warmness was inspiring to us both. We still can picture his family “coat of arms” (a sailor wearing a coat of many arms) which he often brought to our attention when visiting his home. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate and friend.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Pat and Doc, we are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. As we read his obituary, he seemed like a great man. May God be with you all and give you the peace and strength you need.

Pat, Please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of your father. Our love and blessings to you and your family.

My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I will always remember your Dad's kindness and marvelous sense of humor. At a Fort Story Chapel 'Hail and Farewell' several years ago, he was the co master of ceremonies, along with Capt. Colgan. They were feeding off of each other and kept us in stitches.. Someone said to me, it was just like being at a Navy Hail and Farewell, and it was. He was such a nice man and we are all the lesser for his passing. I'm so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences.

Chris was a wonderful person and a man of great integrity. My condolences to his family. Carlton Bennett

So sorry to hear Chris has passed away. A good Navy friend and neighbor in the 70's and 80's on West Kingston Lane. Daughter Chris---you BB-sat for us then at the end of the block. A really fine man has left, but not without really good memories. Donna and Ray Hoberg

What a beautiful tribute to your father. He led an amazing life and was lucky to have the love and support of his family. I am so sorry for your loss. Much love to you Pat, and to all of your family .

Pat, I didn’t know your dad, and after reading his beautiful obituary, I can feel what an amazing man, husband, father, grandpa, and officer he must have been. My love to you, Craig, and your family, praying for strength and wrapping you all in God’s comfort.

Dear Vatidis family, please accept our deepest sympathy at the passing of your dad. We joined VF 43 after my first fleet tour and were part of the transition to a fighter squadron. Your Mom and Dad made it a wonderful time. Excellent hosts, super Naval Officer and all around wonderful people. Even after we moved to the West coast we were able to visit them on different occasions and always felt welcome. We even stayed with them in Naples for 3 days. I know you will miss them both deeply, as many of us will. A fine Naval officer, outstanding father and husband, and all around good guy. Go with God my friend.

To the Vatidis family, please accept our most sincere condolences. Chris and Dee were rare and wonderful people, and friends who brought much joy to our lives. In 1994, when Susan and our sons were evacuated from the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, it was Chris who arranged for a place for them to stay during that sudden one-year separation. My oldest son carried Chris' business card during that whole year after being told, man to man, if you need "anything" just call. That was classic Chris and an enormous comfort during a tough time to know that he was there. To have known Chris is a gift that will not be forgotten. With our love and prayers, Susan & Bookie.

Pat, my sincere sympathy on the loss of your father. His accomplishments in life are outdone only by his character, it seems. I hope that the joys of your memories will temper the grief that you and your family are feeling. My best to Craig and all of the kids

Christine and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In reading about him he sounds like a wonderful, loving, generous, empathetic and accomplished man and will be very missed by each of you. I know you will find comfort in each other during this very difficult time and please know I will say a prayer tonight and I am sending warm hugs, love and peace.

To Chris and family, I would like to share my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved father. I am sorry to hear that he was taken away by Covid. I pray that he will enjoy his eternal life in heaven. Take care

Chris and family, Our sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved dad. He was an incredibly accomplished man who was well loved by his family. It was wonderful getting to know him through hearing you talk about him. With much love, Liz

Debbie, Darrell, Pat, Craig, Donna, Jerry, Chris and Mary, your dad meant a lot to me. I will miss him. He was a wonderful man and always made me feel like I was his daughter too. I know he will always be with you in spirit. I thank God that he and your whole wonderful family have been part of my life since childhood. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Patty, Debbie, Donna and Chrissie, Your dad and mom were my first Skipper and Mrs. Skipper when my husband and I went to our first duty station at VF-43 from flight training in Kingsville, TX. Your mom became my role model and your dad was like a surrogate father; only funnier. Our time in VF-43 gave me friends for life. We left the squadron with heavy hearts, but always touched base with your folks periodically. When my husband died, Skipper and Dee shared their infinite supply of love and concern with me and always made me feel welcome in their home. I even brought my son back to a squadron reunion so that he could hear the stories about his dad while I once again was enfolded into the world of the Vatidis family. Your mom was such a positive force of nature and when she passed, the world was the sadder for it. I continued to update your dad on my civilian life and he continued to offer his advice, laced with huge doses of his humor. He shared his pride in all of your individual accomplishments and bragged on you all like the proud father he was. He was a great sounding board, a cheerleader, and gentleman, not to mention a super leader and naval officer. I know you all miss him mightily, but you are his legacy and he and Dee did a great job in that department.

Dear Family, Bruce and I enjoyed being your dad's neighbor. We always enjoyed our talks by our mailboxes and were happy to be able to have both of your parents as such great neighbors. We know he was lost after your mom went to heaven. He was so proud of all of his family and was so happy when everyone came to visit! We are grateful for his dedicated and impressive service. He always flew the flag and the other night as I was closing our blinds, called Bruce over to look at the American flag brilliantly waving in the light that was shining on it! I just know it represents his bravery and love for our country. You were all blessed to have had such a kind man as your dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Peace be with you all, Anne and Bruce Rainey

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.