Christopher (Chris) Loveys, 65, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on October 10th, 2024. Born in Mötsch, Germany and later raised in central New York, Chris attended Fonda-Fultonville Central School where he participated in local athletics and excelled in academics. At age 13, he was one of four local youths to attain the Boy Scouts of America rank of Eagle Scout. After high school, Chris attended Clarkson College of Technology (Potsdam NY) where he was an Alpha Epsilon Pi, Kappa Gamma Chapter fraternity brother. He graduated in 1981 with a B.S. in Industrial Distribution.
Chris was an experienced signaling engineer and project manager, specializing in train control, with over 37 years of experience in concept planning, procurement, installation, and commissioning of hi-tech signaling systems for high density metro corridors.
His work with engineering companies and firms including General Railway Signal, Parsons (Brinkerhoff) Transportation Group and PGH Wong Engineering, Inc., impacted rail transit agency infrastructures across the country including San Francisco BART, San Francisco Muni, Los Angeles MTA, Valley Metro Rail (Phoenix), New York City Transit, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Utah Transit Authority, Southern California Regional Rail Authority, and Greater Regional Cleveland Transit Authority. Chris was passionate about engaging youth in STEM fields and led colleagues at Valley Metro / PGH Wong in partnership with Torres Multicultural and City of Phoenix in the implementation of the “Engineers of the Future” program to bring mentorship and ‘design and build’ opportunities to middle school children from underserved communities in South Phoenix.
Chris called Phoenix AZ home since 2000 where he developed many friendships over a shared appreciation of the regional geography and a love for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He maintained a lifelong dedication to classic rock and roll and jazz. His lifetime love for the Grateful Dead was nurtured from attendance at 222 (!) live shows. Chris’ kindness, compassion and generosity was obvious to those who knew him. He will be forever in our thoughts and deeply missed.
Christopher is preceded in death by his parents, George William and Jane Loveys; grandparents, Dana and Catherine Campbell, George Ricketts and June Loveys; aunt, Patricia Hayes; uncle, Lee Cooley.
He is survived by his siblings Kathleen (Tim Montgomery), Deborah (Paula Vertino), and William (Sue Sherry); aunt Sue Cooley; and numerous nephews, nieces, family, and friends including cousin Stephanie Sharpe (Tom); nieces Angela LoBianco (Mark), Alyssa Boniecki (Frank), Catherine Montgomery and Kelsey Osberg (Corey); and former wife, Marcia Kilian.
A private Celebration of Life to be held for close friends and family in January of 2025.
Robert Hanna says
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
Chris was a close friend as we worked together. It was a loss for all of us.
Stay strong.
Kyle Strickland says
Chris left a significant mark in Phoenix through his work. He was a dedicated colleague who always led by example. Chris mentored many and was a kind soul, always eager to share his knowledge and help others.
To his family, I extend my deepest sympathies. Your loss is immense, and I share in your grief, but I also celebrate the fond memories of him. Chris was a generous friend and colleague, and he is greatly missed.
Steven Kyauk says
Chris was one of the hardest-working and most dedicated individuals I have had the privilege of knowing in my career. I was fortunate to work alongside him early on when I was a young engineer in Phoenix, where he generously shared his wealth of knowledge and experience. As a colleague, Chris showed immense respect for everyone’s technical opinions, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual admiration.
Beyond his professional excellence, Chris’s infectious passion for Diamondbacks baseball brought joy to the workplace—his collection of baseball jerseys was as memorable as his unwavering enthusiasm. Above all, Chris was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met. His absence will be deeply felt, and I will miss him forever.
Peter Wong says
Chris Loveys is one of the finest individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He is smart and compassionate. His dedication to helping and supporting those around him including spending countless hours mentoring students has been greatly appreciated. During his rehab, Chris kept a few of us updated regularly, showing his enduring strength and consideration for others. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy of kindness and brilliance will live on.
Fred Nattkemper, Kathleen Troeller says
We are very sad to hear that Chris has passed away. He was a kind and generous friend for a long time, although in recent years we had not seen him. We had so many good times together enjoying concerts and music festivals. Our sincere condolences to all of his family and friends.