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Christopher “Chris” Niemir, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and proud Navy veteran, passed away on September 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves behind his wife, Theresa Niemir; daughters, Michelle Boisvert; Michelle Debatto; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, James Niemir and Millicent Becraft; his brother, Paul Niemir and his sister, Delia Dendor.
Chris was born on June 25, 1952, in Queens, New York, to James Niemir and Millicent Becraft. His family moved to Franklin Square, Long Island when he was a young boy and he attended St. Catherine of Sienna and H. Frank Carey Schools. He loved sports! He excelled as an athlete and even pitched in the Franklin Square Athletic Association. He made many lifelong friends whom he cherished and remained close to throughout his life.
Chris was a Navy veteran who enlisted in 1970. He served as a QM3 Navigator aboard the USS Great Sitkin (AE17) which replenished ammunition for the fleet in the Vietnam War era. He was honorably discharged in 1976 receiving the National Defense Service Medal. He was a patriot and very proud of his service to our country.
Chris graduated from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. He pursued his passion for broadcasting and began his radio career in the 1980s at WWNH in New Hampshire. He was known on the air as “Rick Harris” and quickly became a familiar voice in the community and loved every minute of being on the radio. In 1985 he met Theresa, the love of his life, and her daughter, Michelle. It was the beginning of their Always and Forever love. They married on January 1, 2000, and started a life filled with love and adventure. Chris began focusing his career on public speaking and training and developed a successful Achievement Center Seminar business which brought them to the east coast of Florida in 1990. Another dream came true. He would later go into the data brokering industry and in Feb 2020 a new data company brought Chris and Theresa to Spring Hill on the West Coast of Florida where he always wanted to be. In March, the Covid pandemic came and changed everyone’s lives and plans. So, in true “Chris Spirit”, he started his own consulting company, Power Surge Services.
Chris was smart and kind and a very witty guy. He had a big personality and he loved to make people laugh. He could talk to anyone about anything and loved a good debate. He was strong but gentle and he made Theresa feel loved every day. He believed his voice was a gift from God that brought him to Broadcasting and public speaking. His strong Catholic faith carried him through his life. After a surgery in 2020, therapy brought his voice back. He wanted to show his thanks to God by serving as a lector in his church.
He was a passionate sports fan since childhood and he loved the NY Yankees and Giants. He loved music, the beach, and all the time he shared with Theresa at concerts and sporting events making memories they would treasure. He loved Christmas and special family time with Michelle. He could sit and read the New York Post cover to cover for hours. Peaceful time was precious to him and he deserved more of it. His special love for kitties called him to rescue them, bringing six into their home over the years. Hootie, Baby, and Slinky remain part of the family. Theresa hopes he is now reunited with his other beloved cats at the Rainbow Bridge.
Although there were many health challenges in the last few years; he was a fighter who always believed he could find a way through whatever was put in front of him. No matter how difficult things became, Chris kept pushing forward and never gave up. He loved life and lived every moment to the fullest. He loved planning surprises for Theresa; but, the best times were simply anytime spent together.
Chris was Theresa’s best friend. He made her feel safe and cherished every day. The love they shared was the greatest gift of her life. She will carry him in her heart, ALWAYS AND FOREVER.
St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Florida National Cemetery
With Navy military honors
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