CDR Christopher "Chris" Edward Kalafut, USNR (October 2014)

​Christopher E. Kalafut, age 49, of Oceanside, CA entered into eternal rest on Friday October 24, 2014. Chris, a Commander in the US Navy Reserves, was proudly serving his nation overseas, where he was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar.
 
Chris was born March 4, 1965 in Oceanside, CA. Growing up, he was a joy to his family, a gifted student, and well-rounded athlete. Upon graduation from El Camino High School, he attended the nation’s prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. He earned a Bachelor of Science and was commissioned into the US Navy in 1987. Chris earned his pilot wings in 1990 and spent 23 years as an Active Duty and Reserve pilot flying the E-2C Hawkeye in support of myriad combat, humanitarian, and disaster relief missions. In addition to his service as a US Navy pilot, Chris also served as a US Customs pilot and then a Delta Airlines 767 and 777 pilot and first officer based out of Atlanta, GA. In 2001, Chris and his family settled in Acworth, GA where they have lived surrounded and blessed by dear friends.
 
Far more important than any other job he ever held, Chris was always an amazing husband and partner-in-life to his beloved wife and a “bossome” father to 5 beautiful and ever-so-loved children. His passion for life, fervor for spending time with his children, and unwavering devotion to his wife exemplify his immense, unconditional love for his family.
 
Chris is survived by his wife, Mary Qualls-Kalafut; their 5 children, Marrion, Meaghan, Christopher, Keegan, and Michael Kalafut; father, Steven Kalafut; 4 brothers, Steven, Robert, John, and James Kalafut; and countless extended family members, nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish his life and legacy forever. Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Kalafut.
 
Memorial donations can be made to The Christopher E. Kalafut Family Memorial Fund, 2104 Gresham Lake Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.