Christopher Nanneman, age 20, passed away tragically on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at his home in Lambertville. A lifelong resident of Lambertville, he was a graduate of Lambertville Public School and South Hunterdon Regional High School. He went on to major in Literature at Bard College, where he was a sophomore.
From an early age Christopher had a thirst for knowledge. He was an avid reader, writer, enjoyed listening to music, and had an enviable collection of graphic novels. His ultimate career goal was to pursue a Ph.D. in literature and teach at the collegiate level. He eagerly devoured such difficult works as Ulysses, Faust, and Infinite Jest. One professor described him as “No shit, the smartest student I have seen in 20 years.”
Christopher was at home with all things theoretical. At age six, he wanted to know “What is God’s last name?” As a child he jumped out of bed one night to talk about a theory that if one invented a time-travel machine, it could only go forward in time, because by going backward, one would get to the point to before the time machine was invented, at which point time travel would no longer be possible. The next night, he edited this theory to say that travel backward in time could be possible, if the “you” existing in the time machine was traveling independent of the “you” in regular time. Throughout his life, he continued to espouse similarly unique theories.
Christopher was also a performer. Those who saw him in the 6th grade talent show will remember his riding his unicycle while playing the ukulele. After his unicycle acrobatics routine, he pointed to the unicycle and said “Don’t worry, I’m not two-tired!” In addition, he took the sport to new heights, being the only unicyclist at the skateboard park executing ramps on a single wheel that many would find difficult to do on four. He was further known for occasionally filling the neighborhood with music with his impromptu saxophone performances from the rooftop of the front porch of his home. In addition, he acted in both middle school and high school theatre productions, and whether his character had a few lines or many, his performance always stood out.
His athletic prowess shined in individual sports. In high school he ran both track and cross country where he set school records. He was an expert on the pogo stick, fantastic rollerblader, skier, and enjoyed experiencing adrenaline-inducing activities, such as riding the tallest and fastest rollercoasters and bridge bungee jumping. As a preschooler, he would be too tired to walk on a normal sidewalk in town; but if he were in a field of boulders, he could climb around all day. Later in childhood, he would also see how fast he could ascend over the top and back of his family’s 3-story home. One year, after a hurricane, Christopher discovered that the high waters had gouged out a deep depression in a nearby stream, and he and his friends frequently visited the spot to jump from the 20+ foot high bridge while doing flips into the water. He loved being outdoors and hiked to the highest points in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Ireland. Most recently, he took up rock climbing, another sport at which he excelled.
Christopher loved animals and never wanted to cause them pain. As a Cub Scout, he declined to participate in a catch-and-release fishing day because “the fish would still have a hole in their mouth from the hook.” He chose to become a vegetarian at age 8 and later became a vegan. “If I truly needed to eat another animal to survive, I would, but in today’s age, that is just not necessary.”
Christopher was socially conscious from a young age, and was resolute in his desire for social justice. He held himself to a high moral standard and expected that of others as well. He chose who to love based on the content of their character, and had no patience for racism, sexism or discrimination based on sexual orientation.
In his final days, he found it too difficult to focus enough to continue his lifelong love of reading, but he developed a new talent for painting rocks. He could communicate an amazing depth of emotion with just a few simple, well-placed lines.
Though his last months on earth were sad and difficult, he continued to have concern for those he loved, and was worried about the impact his difficulties had on them. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, intelligence, creativity, unique ideas, and the love and the joy he gave to so many people. He will be missed beyond measure.
Christopher is survived by his parents Ann Osborne and Tim Nanneman, and his sister Emily Nanneman, as well as his grandparents Mel and Elsie Osborne. He is also survived by a score of friends, neighbors, cousins, aunts and uncles. Not to mention his beloved dogs.
Memorial Service: A memorial service will be held at Wrightstown Quaker Meeting (Wrightstown Friends Meeting, 535 Durham Road, Newtown PA 18940) at 1 PM Saturday, February 16, followed by a gathering with refreshments in the social hall.
Flowers: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Christopher Fund, being established in his honor. The following link allows you to pay online: https://www.plumfund.com/charity-fundraising/the-christopher-fund
Checks can be made out to this fund and sent to this mailing address:
The Christopher Fund
PO Box 563
Lambertville NJ 08530
Contributions will be applied to causes consistent with Christopher’s principles, including funding for Igwamiti Primary School in Kenya, and the Sochi Dog Rescue.
Food: In situations like this, many wish to express support by dropping off food for the family. While this gesture is helpful and much appreciated, those who wish to drop off food for them are encouraged to instead/also provide food to their local food pantry (Fisherman’s Mark is the Lambertville pantry).
Resilience, by Christopher L. Nanneman
May the sympathy and love of others and Gods words found
in 2 Corin 1:2-4 give you the comfort you need at this time
and remember the hope we have in the fulfillment of His
promise found in John 5 : 28 of the resurrection. With my
sincere and deepest condolences.
Our condolences to the family and friends. It was our honor to watch a young boy grew up into a loving and caring young man. The memory of you will always keep our heart warmed.
Your friends at Thai Tida.
His intelligence and thoughtfulness will be missed. I hope we can do our best to try to be kind as he would have been.
Our hearts are with all of you. I will always remember Christopher’s curls and his smiles as he cycled around the neighborhood. As recently as the summer when I bumped into him and Emily when they had been swimming in Stockton Christopher always greeted me with a smile. He was a sweet and gentle soul and he will be missed. I know his loss will be felt for a lifetime. I hope you can find peace and support in the community around you that cares so very much for all of you. May his memory be a blessing
Christopher sounds like someone I would have really enjoyed getting to know. I am so sorry for your loss.
This is the most beautiful obituary I have ever read. It’s so full of Christopher, it makes it easy to see what a deep and tragic loss his death is for his family, friends, and community. I am heartbroken that we will no longer get the benefit of his bright light and most especially, his sense of humor. Christopher was truly one of a kind. I feel honored to have known him, even to a small degree, and will miss his presence in the neighborhood. Love and hugs to the Ann, Tim, and Emily.
My daughter, Lily, Christopher’s childhood friend and classmate said, “he was the brightest shining light of anyone I knew from school in my childhood. I have only happy memories of him. He was never mean to me – or anyone. Every single thought I have of him is a happy one.”
Sending love and our most sincere condolences to Ann, Tim and Emily
This beautiful tribute captured Christopher’s essence and soul. I am at a loss for words
That was an incredible remembrance of Christopher – we never had the opportunity to meet him but feel like we got to know him from your beautiful words. We are so very sorry for your loss and our hearts and thoughts are with you.
I am honored to say Christopher was my nephew
Memories of Christopher are of Missouri vacations and time of traveling through Germany searching family history
His outlook on life and love for all things of nature was refreshing
A special place of our family to be forever held in our hearts
Chris was undoubtedly the most intelligent person I’ve ever met, and will probably ever meet. He was such a caring, kind, and intuitive soul.
I am feeling speechlessly sad for the family. My heart is broken for you all .
For as long as I continue to have my faculties: Whenever I may happen to see someone pedaling a unicycle, I will think of Christopher. Whenever I may happen to see a school show, I will think of Christopher. Whenever I may happen to see a child laughing In the company of his friends, I will think of Christopher. And I will be weeping.
I did not know your son but reading his memorial I feel like I did. I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. What a beautiful young man.
Hello my name is Mrs. Sonia Sanchez, I had the honor of knowing Christopher when he was in 3rd grade at the Lambertville Public school. I was a Teachers Aide at the school. He was a very lovely child. And so very friendly. To his parents and sister Emily, My deepest condolences to all of you. Christopher May you Rest In Peace. 😔🙏🏻🙏🏻
There is a huge empty place in my heart that Christopher filled with his unique mind, his amazing talents, his respect and love for all living things, and most of all his sense of justice and fairness in this world . Oh, how I’ll miss this wonderful boy who I’ve admired so much for so long. Thank you Christopher, for enriching my life experiences .
What a beautiful tribute to what sounds like a beautiful soul and light in this life. My deepest condolences to all who loved and knew Christopher.
What a beautiful tribute to a great young man.We loved Christopher and were so glad to have been able to spend so much time with him. We will miss him, always.
Tim, Ann and Emily, we think of of you as family, and we grieve deeply with you. We are so very sorry.
My heart and soul are aching. I have never known anyone like Christopher. He used to love to discuss books with me as I was a Literature major. It didn’t take long to realize that his interpretations were well over my head. His exuberance for learning was staggering. And yet, at the same time, he was a gentle animal lover who believed in equality for all. How can this even fit into a 20 year old boy?I feel honored and enriched to have known him and devastated that his light was too bright for this world.
Peace to you in your time of grieving
My heartfelt condolences to family and friends of beautiful Christopher.
I did not know your Christopher but wish I did reading what you have written about him. My condolences go out to you and all those who loved him. May all these beautiful memories be with you in the good times and the hard times ahead. Peace be with you and Christopher.
This is so beautiful. The world has lost a special soul. I will never ever forget….
My deepest sympathies
Ann, Tim and Emily, my heart is broken for you, and everyone who knew and loved Christopher. What a gift he was to our community and the world. He was a uniquely brilliant and talented person. Though I didn’t teach him in first grade I was honored to know him through you and through my work on our talent show. His ukele/unicycle performance is number one in my vault of memories. I join with the legion of folks who loved and were touched by Christopher’s extraordinary life in sending love, light and prayers to you.
There are no words to express how sad I feel for your heartbreaking loss of Christopher. Every morning for so many years, I saw him from my bathroom window every day walking to school with Ann and Emily, growing from very little to quite tall. I can just hear him skating or skateboarding by the front of the house. Even as a young boy it was obvious that he was special – sensitive, smart and kind. Ann, Tim and Emily, I so wish that there was something that I could do to ease your unimaginable pain. Please know that I am thinking of you all with great sympathy and love.❤️
I too had the pleasure of seeing Christopher grow up from a little boy walking to school to a tall and handsome young man. His energy and sense of adventure filled the neighborhood with life and promise. He was a special soul. Words cannot express my sorrow for Ann, Tim and Emily. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
God bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing the story of this beautiful life. You are in my prayers.
I so clearly see Christopher in the backyard “dog park” being himself… gentle and kind to all. My heart breaks for Ann, Emily and Tim. The world has lost a one-of-a-kind individual who will never be forgotten.
So sad… this young man has experienced more in his 20 years than I have known in my almost 80 years…
I grieve your loss…
But, he left a “lifetime “ of memories and beautiful good feelings…
Peace be with you…
Dear Ann, Tim and Emily,
My deepest condolences on your heartbreaking loss. Chris’s exuberance for learning and exploring new things will always be fondly remembered by all who knew him. May he continue to be an inspiration to others. God bless.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with his soul. My condolences to all of your family. We will miss him
On Thanksgiving.
All the love and warm thoughts I can muster are being sent your way! He was well love and will always hugely missed by our family and all who knew him. I wish I knew the right words, or the right way to say them, but I don’t. I have nothing more to offer but my wish that I could take some of the burden from all of you, and a shoulder for you to lean on should any of you need it. I love you Uncle Tim Aunt Ann and cousin Emily!
I am heartbroken for your unimaginable loss Ann, Tim and Emily and I am grateful that you had Christopher for as long as you did. Based on that beautiful eulogy I can see where his spirit and talents came from. May the wind be at your back.
Ann, Tim & Emily
We were so sorry to hear about Christopher. It was always a joy to run into him on the tow path, while walking the dogs each morning. Such a smart and lovely person. You are in our thoughts.
Family, I am so sorry for your loss. The eloquence and beauty of Chris shines through in your well written tribute to him.
A beautifully written remembrance!
My deepest sympathies . . .
stay strong in this tough time!
There are no words I could write to help but I wanted you to know that we’re all thinking of you, Anne, Tim, Emily and also Christopher. I remember the lovely time we spent together here in Germany. He was such a gentle soul, so attentive and mindful. Maybe the thought that Christopher also left his traces abroad helps you a little in this unimaginable time. Katja, Matthias, Martha, Ida and Carl
I am so saddened to hear this tragic news. This beautifully written tribute makes clear what an extraordinary human being Christopher was, and the pride, joy, and inspiration he brought to his family and others was clearly immeasurable. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.
What a beautiful tribute! My deepest sympathies for the family and for the larger community of friends who were impacted by his special light. I wish I’d had a chance to know him.
I am extremely sad and shocked to hear the news. I have previously taken a class with him and cannot believe that this has happened. My deepest condolences for his family and friends.
Dear Tim, Ann and Emily. Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am to hear of your loss. I have the pleasure of remembering when Chris was born and the light he brought to Tim’s eyes when talking about him and Emily at work. I also remember seeing Christopher run when he was in high school at meets where my son was also competing. May God be with you and comfort you knowing he is at peace.
I am incredibly sorry for your loss. I know he touched my nephew’s life deeply during their time together as roommates at Bard. May his memory sustain you during the difficult days ahead. Sending prayers….
Tim, don’t know if you remember me from Yellowstone but Jeff Robinson passed this on to me and I would still feel sorrow for a parent to lose one of their children. My sympathies to you and your family. There is nothing else to tell you that will offer any comfort. My prayers are with all of you. I pray that God offers you wonderful memories and knowledge that your son impacted many people.
Tim, I am so very sorry for your loss. I can only begin to imagine the grief you and Ann are suffering now. I just looked at some pictures that you sent me of the time you went camping in July 2003. How fast the time flew! How proud you must have been of Christopher. Again, let me express my condolences.
I am so sorry to hear about Christopher’s passing.
He was full of joyful energy and enthusiasm during Summer Rec., racing through town, unicycling and his passion to spread kindness.
Ann, Emily and Tim, please accept my condolences. I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
Tim and family, I am deeply sorry to hear About Christpopher’s passing. Although I never meet him, this beautifully written tribute clearly shows what an outstanding young man he was. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.
You are in my thoughts. Im so very sorry for your loss.
Oh Tim, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet son. My Mother always said “no parent should have to bury their child.” Although I never met him, it sounds like he lived a remarkable life and left behind a wonderful legacy.
Ann and Tim,
I cannot adequately express my sympathy at this most painful time in your life. I want you to know that I understand the pain, the loss, the questions, the sorrow, and all the most painful feelings you will ever experience.
I love you both and Emily….
Mila
Thoughts and prayers are with your family, Tim! What a beautiful tribute this is!
Dearest Ann, Tim and Emily.
You have my very deepest, and most heartfelt condolences. The world has lost one of its champions. I simply don’t have the words to express how sorry I am that you are dealing with this difficult loss.
Dear Ann, Tim and Emily
My prayers and meditations are focused on holding you in this time of deepest sorrow. As we all process his loss and grieve with you, I am hearing a theme about how my Maddie and her close friends feel about Chris, they Experienced him as a mentor in cross country, in marching band, concert band, jazz band and of course theater. His presence is forever in their lives, his absence leaves a void that if they live by his example will be filled with kindness. I wish you a peace that surpasses understanding.
Namaste
Elizabeth, Andrew and Maddie
Dear Emily and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy. Chris was such a beautiful person. I simply don’t have the words to express how sorry I am to hear about this. My heart goes out to you and your family. Mrs. Jacqueline Kelly
Dear Ann, Tim, and Emily,
I too remember the ukele unicycle act. I don’t think anyone in that room could ever forget that. Thank you for this lovely tribute that helps us know him better. Please know that there are so many in Lambertville that have you in our hearts and in our thoughts, sending you strength in this very difficult time.
Charlie Groth (Keziah and Addie Groth-Tuft’s mom)
So sorry to hear this tragic news. Our hearts go out to you, Tim, Ann, and Emily. It is our prayer that God will comfort your hearts, and give you peace.
Our hearts were saddened upon hearing of the passing of Chris. Wonderful tribute to a remarkable young man. The many memories that you have and share will surely place a smile on your faces as you speak of Chris.
Tim and Ann I am so sorry for your loss, what a remarkable young man you raised, I regret that I did not have the honor of meeting Chris! In reading the tribute to him, and all the kind words of friends and family he truly was outstanding young man! What the world has lost in Chris heaven has gained!
My heart aches for you and your family, and may you find peace in the knowledge that Chris is soaring with the angles!
Dear Ann, Tim and Emily,
What a beautiful testament this obituary is to Christopher’s extraordinary life. I learned so many things about him that I didn’t know and I am grateful for that.
I will always remember him in “Into the Woods” where he performed to roles seamlessly and with the depth of understanding in his characters far beyond his years.
Though I didn’t know him long, nor well, I experienced him as so present in all that was around him, so inquisitive, gifted and giving, and perhaps most of all ,so earnest.
I can’t believe that he is gone.
His loss is immeasurable.
I am so sorry.
Dear Tim, Ann and Emily,
What a beautiful tribute to Chris. He touched and inspired so many of us. His memory lives on. May these cherished memories bring you comfort as well as the support of family and friends through this difficult time.
Namaste
Dear Tim, Ann and Beth, My heart hurts deeply as I silently weep for your loss of a beloved son and brother. Christopher’s Obituary is a masterpiece of Love. As your former neighbor at 181 N Union (over 20 yrs ago)I felt your unselfishness and caring so it is no surprise that Christopher inherited your loving human qualities and, best of all shared them with his world. “And he shall rise up and soar like wings of an eagle….” With Love, Bill
Dear Ann, Tim and Emily,
Our hearts, minds and souls are with you. Words cannot convey the depth of our sorrow for your tragic loss of Christopher. He was gifted, hilarious, and so full of life and limitless potential; how can it be that he is gone? Please know that I, Laura, am here and care deeply about you. I plan to drop off a care package to you and make a food donation to Fisherman’s Mark.
With the saddest of hearts,
Laura, David & Zachary
Tim, we are so sorry to hear the news of Chris’s death. We knew how proud you were of him, and how much you loved him. Thanks to you and your family for writing the beautiful obituary, and thanks to Christopher for living a life that was interesting and significant. We parents are supposed to die before our children, but it doesn’t always work that way. And thus we grieve. We share in your grief. David Leuthold, Ellen Atkins and Johnny Leuthold, Columbia, MO
Tim and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very challenging time.
Dear Ann, Tim and Emily this poem by Henry Scott Holland helped us. It is called Death is Nothing at All! Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other. That we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect. Without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same it ever was. There is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you. For an interval. Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is past, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better, infinitely happier and forever we will all be one together with Christ.
Dear Ann, Tim , and Emily
We were heartbroken to hear of Christopher’s passing and can’t begin to imagine the loss that you feel. I hope that you can take comfort in knowing that you gave Christopher a life filled with adventure, learning, and wonderful experiences. We regret that we didn’t get to see you more often and thus better know our interesting and talented nephew.
With Love,
Deirdre and Mel
Dear Ann, Tim and Emily
We are so sorry for the loss of Christopher. We can’t even imagine what this loss means to you all. What a wonderful tribute that you wrote to him. We wish we had known him better. What wonderful things that he did in his short life.
Love Colin, Bonnie, Patrick and Katie
Dear Tim, Anne, and Emily,
Our hearts and loving thoughts go out to you all at this sad time. We are so very sorry for your loss. Chris was a special young man who was a treasured friend to Jack. We will remember him well for his many talents and gifts that he brought to this world. This beautiful obituary says so much to allow us all to know what kind of person that he was. I am very thankful that Jack was able to have Chris as part of his life. He will live on through all of us. Much love sent to you all.
Chris and Emily were truly two of the finest students I have ever had the pleasure to know and to teach. There are a only few children that are able to inspire a teacher to be better and they both had that special quality. I am so heartbroken for you and your family and your great loss and I will always have such fond memories of that sweet little boy in my classroom. Love to all of you , Please know that you have the love and support of everyone in Lambertville. God bless your family.
Tim, this is your cousin Rick in KC. Just heard through text about the loss of your son. Although I have not lost a grown child, I can imagine your grief is hard to bear. Know that your family is in our prayers, and that jesus christ in whom we trust, became human and knows what we feel and thus is able to comfort. If I can help in any way please let me know.
Dear Ann, Tim and Emily,
What a beautiful tribute this obituary is for Christopher. And yet, it is simply the story of his extraordinary life. I learned so many things about him that I didn’t know and I thank you for that. I shall always remember him in his performance in “Into the Woods” where he lit up he stage, switching from one role to another seamlessly-a performance well beyond his years.
Though I didn’t know him long or well, I experienced him as so ‘present’ in every moment, always inquiring about what he saw or felt, so gifted and perhaps, above all, so earnest.
He touched my life as he has touched the lives of so many others who met him.
I cannot imagine him truly gone.
I have no words to express my sorrow.
A line from a book Chris read last year and was quite fond of keeps coming to mind: “He came out of nothingness, took form, was loved, was always bound to return to nothingness. Only I did not think it would be so soon. Or that he would precede us. Two passing temporarinesses developed feelings for one another. Two puffs of smoke became mutually fond. I mistook him for a solidity, and now must pay. I am not stable and Mary not stable and the very buildings and monuments here not stable and the greater city not stable and the wide world not stable. All alter, are altering, in every instant.”
Dearest Nanneman family,
Mere words cannot express my sorrow for your loss of Darling Christopher. I send you thoughts of peace & comforting love.
I wish to share my favorite memories of your incredible Christopher. O first met him as an adorable blonde curly headed infant in his car seat. His Rosy cheeks and enchanting smile were irresponsible. He crawled around curiously exploring every inch of the place with Tim in chase saving him from his every Daredevil attempts at any stunt Christopher could conceivably imagine.
As he grew I remember the close bond between he and Emily. They were besties as children. It was precious.
As he and Emily matured they amazed me with their intellectual conversations and imaculate manners.
Ann & Tim, I salute you both as parents beyond measure to both your beautiful children.
Emiy, I am aware that you don’t know me well but I want you to know that I understand the pain of losing a best friend sibling. I pray your happy memories will help comfort you.
My love and deepest condolences.