Chris Kokenes

Chris Kokenes, beloved Husband, Father, Friend, and Co-worker was taken away from us way too soon after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer on February 17th, 2020. Chris was born October 25th, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Carole Economakis and Gustave Kokenes. He was raised in his beloved Brooklyn, which was a source of immense pride, and graduated from Brooklyn College with a journalism degree, kicking off a 28-year career at CNN, first as an intern, then working his way up to managing the New York Assignment Desk. Chris loved his job and was known as a level headed and decisive force when major stories hit and all hell broke loose around him. He was a beloved colleague known for his consummate professionalism, thoughtfulness, and immense kindness. It was a natural fit for him, as he was a died-in-the-wool newshound who loved reading The New York Times from cover to cover and debating politics with the best of them. Chris loved Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, science fiction, baseball, comics, Public Radio, and big family gatherings with his extended family from Toronto, which he missed having from childhood, but rekindled as part of Kitty’s wonderful clan. He commented on how he finally felt home again after many years. Chris carried a photograph of the piles of shoes at the front door at holiday gatherings in Toronto to remind him always of that feeling. It filled him with immense happiness. If you asked him, however, he would unequivocally say that his greatest achievement in life was being Kitty’s husband and a stay-at-home, doting dad his beloved son, Luke, who was the light of his life. Chris was also one-fifth of a group of life-long friends since childhood who are still together to this day, thanks to him. He was the glue. Always will be. Chris was extraordinarily kindhearted and caring. He loved his family and friends with a fierce passion, and will be remembered for his warm smile and for always putting others first. He was also very proud of his Greek heritage and loved traveling the world with his family, especially spending quality time at the beach with Kitty and Luke. He cared deeply for the greater good, our country, and for making that extra effort in doing the right thing. Chris is survived by his loving wife Kitty, who was by his side, and their 3-year-old son Luke, his proudest achievement. He is also survived by his brother John, sister Electra, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. We will all miss him terribly. Chris is now part of the universe, of which he was always and forever in awe. Just look up at night sky, he’d say. A memorial service will be held on February 29th, 10 AM at Barrett Funeral Home, 148 Dean Drive, Tenafly, NJ 07670. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to be made in Chris’ memory to the NY Press Club (https://www.nypressclub.org/in-memoriam-chris-kokenes/), Villa Marie Claire Hospice (https://www.villamarieclaire.org/ways-to-give.aspx) or Memorial Sloan Kettering sarcoma research (https://giving.mskcc.org/sarcoma)

Chris Kokenes

February 17, 2020