Christopher C. Lalor

With steadfast calm, commitment, and passion for service, Christopher C. Lalor lived a life rich in family, friends, and community. A man who embodied his core beliefs, Chris never hesitated to give of himself in support of others. He never required being asked to serve, instead, Chris was always quick to see a need and step in to meet it. Over his life, he sought out and volunteered for any cause that protected and elevated his community. In so doing, he proved a powerful role model for all who were blessed to share time with him. A beloved son, brother, “father,” uncle, firefighter, and friend, Chris will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

1971 was a year of many exciting new possibilities; National Public Radio (NPR) broadcasted for the first time, Walt Disney World Resort opened in Florida, and the 26th amendment lowered the voting age to 18. Amtrak, Federal Express, and Greenpeace came into being in 1971, and with the invention of the Microprocessor, the year marked the start of the digital age we now know. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in Racine, Wisconsin when Christopher Curtis Lalor was welcomed to the world on July 6.

A lifelong resident of Racine, Christopher attended local schools and proudly graduated with Washington Park High School’s class of 1989. From his earliest years, Chris enjoyed trips up north to the Upper Peninsula. Helping people was in Chris’ blood. Even as a toddler, he possessed the ability to perceive when people were in need and often found a way to support them. At the age of eight, while on a bus trip, Chris helped save a life for the first time by telling the bus driver to pull over and get help for a fellow passenger who was in distress.

After graduating from high school, Chris immediately pursued his dream, from when he was a toddler, of becoming a firefighter. Upon completing his training, he began his career and was hired by the Racine Fire Department. For the last twenty-one years, Chris worked for the department, taking on various responsibilities over the years, including his last position as driver/operator. A huge asset to the department, Chris humbly set the example of hard work, dedication, steadiness, and teamwork. Chris was known in the department for his level head, unwavering calm, and natural ability to put people at ease. Not only was he willing to risk his life for others, he always found a way to support his team and lighten others’ loads. He never needed to be asked to help, he saw what was needed and confidently stepped in to make things happen. Whether working the kitchen, checking the truck and equipment, or assessing an emergency, Chris was always prepared and ready to do the work that needed to be done with excellence.

While others find hobbies to entertain themselves, Chris used his time to help others. He loved his community and never hesitated to find ways to be of service. Whether lending a hand to his neighbors and friends, helping with a fundraiser or local program, Chris eagerly gave of his time and talents. A Chicago Bears fanatic, the only time anyone ever saw him upset was when his beloved team didn’t play well.

Without a doubt, life feels less certain in the absence of Chris’ steadfast presence and the unnerving circumstances of his death. Though our days with him were far too few, each and every moment was filled with the gifts of Chris’ big heart and great love. May we find comfort in our many treasured memories of the fine man we were so blessed to know. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying Chris’ legacy forward. In each moment that we honorably use our gifts and dedicate ourselves to supporting and elevating others, we keep Chris’ spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

A huge void has been felt since Christopher Curtis Lalor, age 50, was tragically taken from this world on Friday, February 18, 2022. Chris will be dearly missed by his mother, Carolyn (Robert) Ratelis; siblings, Catherine Ratelis, Robb Ratelis, Latasha Ratelis, Anthony Ratelis (fiancé, Cassie Ziemer), Debresia Ratelis (Luis Hernandez-Phakousonh), Kiara Ratelis, and Jessica Dawkins; his “adopted daughter,” Sierra Lyn Hogard; his feline buddy, Puck; his RFD family; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation will be held at Festival Hall, 5 Fifth Street, Racine 53403 on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. with a service honoring and celebrating Chris’s life to start at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Racine Fire Bells have been suggested.

The service will be live streamed and may be viewed by going to the funeral home website, select Chris's page, select service, and select live stream.