Christopher Tabiri

Christopher G. Tabiri, the first son and child of Brenda J. Cannon and Nicholas Tabiri, was born on August 4, 1977. He unexpectedly departed this life on October 25, 2019. Christopher, affectionately known as “Chris”, “Bundy” and “Bunz” by his friends and family, was educated in the New York City Public School System. In 1995, he graduated from Jamaica High School. For a period of time, he attended Technical Career Institute (TCI College). In 2018, Chris accomplished a very important and personal goal when he completed his higher education and graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelor’s degree in Security Management. In 2003, Chris began a fulfilling career in the Security field when he began working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In 2015, Chris began working at New York University as a Public Safety Officer. Through his diligence, tenacity and hard work, Chris was promoted to Sergeant in 2017. He remained in this position until his untimely passing. In his position as Sergeant, Chris truly flourished. He was very passionate about his work and had a keen perspective on the safety and security of the students at NYU. Because of this, Chris was nominated as Sergeant of the month due to his professionalism while advocating for students in need. Chris treated everyone fairly and with respect. He would often say that “while at work, these kids (students) and their safety are my first priority.” In 2007, Chris welcomed his first child and daughter, Samantha. Chris reunited with his first and true love, Cherelyn Joy Stewart, and they married on November 12, 2014. From this union, two children were born - their son, Chandler and daughter, Sylena. Wanting a new start, the family relocated from Brooklyn, NY and established their residency in Piscataway, NJ. Chris never made it a secret of how much he loved his wife and 3 children; he would do anything for them because they were his world. Chris was admired by many for his sense of style and was very particular about his appearance. He had a wardrobe that could not be beat and was always dressed “so fresh and so clean, clean”. With a closet full of sneakers and fitted caps, Chris always had the right sneakers and hat to accent any outfit. Chris was also a sports enthusiast. As a teenager, he spent countless days and nights playing basketball with his neighborhood friends and his “brothers”. During football and basketball seasons and whenever Serena Williams’ tennis matches were televised, Chris would be glued to the television. He also had a daily routine of watching “Undisputed with Skip and Shannon” on Fox Sports. Christopher’s spiritual nurturing and Christian education began as a child at New Star Baptist Church in Queens, NY. During his time at New Star, he sang with the children’s choir and developed a strong “father-son” bond, with the late Minister Stewart. Chris would often reflect on how instrumental Minister Stewart was to his upbringing, maturity and development as a man. As part of his ongoing spiritual growth and development, Chris and his family attended services at Christian Cultural Center (CCC) in Brooklyn, NY. It may be a surprise to some, but not to others, that Chris loved to cook - especially for his family. Two of his family’s favorites were his fried chicken and spaghetti. His wife often joked with him that his fried chicken was one of the reasons she said yes to his marriage proposal. His brownies were often requested for events at New Star and were also a “hot commodity” and family staple during the holiday season. Chris was protective of and loyal to his friends and family. He loved to laugh, have a good time and brought a special light and energy whenever he was around. He was an amazing and respected man, a loving husband, doting father, wonderful son and brother and a great friend to many. Simply put, “EVERYBODY LOVED CHRIS!” Christopher leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy ~ his wife, Cherelyn; two daughters: Samantha ("Jaz") and Sylena ("Lena Belle"); one son, Chandler ("CJ"); mother, Brenda Cannon; father, Nicholas Tabiri; one brother, Jonathan; two sisters, Beatrice and Taniqua; nieces and nephews: Imani, Bria, Kayla, Khari, Chayce and Zynori; father-in-law, Willie C. Stewart; sisters-in-law: Alicia, Lavonnia, Michele and Kiwan; life-long friends, "The Brothers"; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, family, friends and his NYU Public Safety Department.