Christopher Sande Grella

October 14, 1986 - October 14, 2020

Chris took his final ascent, exactly 34 years from the day he was born, after a five year plus battle with a cancerous brain tumor. He fought valiantly, smiling and talking until the end. Chris was a cherished son to Steven and Laurie Grella, a great brother to Steven and Steven's wife Mendy and two nieces, Rylee and Addison that Chris adored. Chris leaves behind many doting Aunts, Uncles and cousins coast to coast. His Nana in Florida, Sonja Frano, was here in the Spring and cherishes the time they had together when Chris was feeling great. Chris loved our family gatherings all through his life but especially in the end. He would tell me to make sure we gathered for the love of each other not because we had to.

Chris was a lifelong resident of the South Bay. He attended the Playhouse School, First Lutheran School and Church, Calle Mayor Middle School, South High School and graduated from Long Beach State in 2010. He also graduated from Officer's Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia in 2009. Chris played hockey at TSA and for Calle Mayor. He switched over to football at South but always went back to the skates.

Chris had many jobs starting with The Gable House, where many have started. He had a passion for aviation and worked at South Bay Aviation on and off for over ten years. After a brief teaching experience, he realized his lifelong love of aviation and went to work for Landmark Aviation at LAX. He worked at Landmark until being struck down by his illness in 2015. Chris always hoped to get back to work. It was another adventure for him, not a job.

During Chris' rehabilitation, he walked for miles with his best bud Mickey and his Uncle Michael when he was in town. Chris became the neighborhood's son and Mickey became the neighborhood dog, they were a great team, loved by all they met. You've probably seen them , they traveled well together and were always looking for new paths for Mick to sniff.

Chris was also a great friend and held these friendships for life. He loved to talk, listen and hear of others experiences in life. He hopped in the car when he could and would take off for a San Onofre surf trip, or a snow trip to the mountains or a camping trip to anywhere, volleyball at the beach, Two fer Tuesdays, spear fishing at the cove or a drive up or down the coast just to see what was there. He was an easy person to be with who enjoyed music, cooking, laughing, family and friends.

While Christopher died at a young age, he led a very fulfilling life and for that we are grateful. We will miss him every day and cherish the memories he left us.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to UCLA brain tumor research by mail at UCLA Foundation in memo line write "to Brain Cancer Research Fund in Memory of Chris Grella" and mail to UCLA Neuro-Oncology, 710 Westwood Plaza Suite 1-230 RNRC, Los Angeles, CA 90095 or online at https://giving.ucla.edu/Standard/NetDonate.aspx?SiteNum=168, as a "Tribute Gift" in Memory of Chris or to First Lutheran Church and School at 2900 Carson St, Torrance, CA 90503. Services will be held at First Lutheran Church under the Covid guidelines.