TURNERS FALLS — It was not skateboarding weather on Tuesday evening, but Unity Skate Park was crowded with friends of Greenfield resident Adam Christopher, who died Dec. 24 at age 29.
Holding a vigil at the skate park, where he loved to spend time, on New Year’s Eve, the day that would have been his 30th birthday, was the best way to remember him, according to Kirsten Angiulo, Christopher’s life partner of five years.
“I always told him, ‘More people love you than you know,’” Angiulo said. “He was upset because a lot of his friends couldn’t hang out with him on his birthday. Here we are.”
Christopher’s friends at the vigil described him as someone who loved skateboarding, snowboarding, nature, art, photography and music. Many remarked that his death was sudden and unexpected.
“His family and friends were important to him,” said Christopher’s mother, Deborah Peterson. “Most of all, he loved his daughter and Kirsten.”
As the sunlight faded, the group lit candles and gathered around a small memorial shrine of photos of Christopher and his friends. Brandon Willor, a close friend of Christopher and his former roommate, said a few words:
“We know that he will always love every single one of us. Not only for being here, but for knowing him.”
He led the group in shouting Christopher’s name as loud as they could. Then he added, “We love you and we’re here for you.”
Then the music came on, from Angiulo’s car stereo; recognizable from the first note as Slayer.
“That was Adam,” Angiulo said.
A celebration of life will be held at Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal St. in Greenfield, on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 261.