Christopher Norman Patti

"We are incredibly sorry to hear of this significant loss in our community. Our thoughts are with everyone who had the pleasure to know (Chris) Patti."
~ Downtown Fort Collins

The home page of visitfortcollins.com has a line that talks about making lasting memories in a city that "embodies warmth and character." When a separate entity as large as Downtown Fort Collins comments about your untimely passing, you were exactly who your adopted community is talking about, and the person they wished everyone could meet.

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Old Town Fort Collins lost its "Unofficial Mayor," when Christopher Norman Patti died in his sleep after battling health issues.

Chris was born on March 17, 1971, in suburban Chicago, and then the family moved to Tempe, AZ, in 1974 where Chris' father was a professor at Arizona State University. The Patti's relocated to Denver, CO while Chris was in elementary school, and that's where the athletic youngster with the infectious smile quickly became a popular teammate. This was the start of a trend. Soccer came first, and then it would carry over to the rink playing ice hockey for Cherry Creek High School.

Chris headed up north to Fort Collins in 1989 to attend Colorado State University, joining the Sigma Chi fraternity and making lifelong friends. His competitive spirit continued, as he was highly involved with the ice hockey and roller hockey programs at CSU and played on multiple intramural sports teams. While in school, Chris began working at Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom along with a few fraternity brothers. After graduating, Chris worked there as a bartender and was a member of a crew that was a staple of the Old Town social scene through the 1990s and early 2000s. During this era, Chris continued to play hockey in several leagues and on tournament teams. He also began playing softball for what would end up being dozens of lineups through the next 20 years.

Over the past decade, Chris owned the concessions at the City Park Pool – a business he primarily loved for reasons that sound an awful lot like a mayor: he felt it was a vital service to the community, and it also provided opportunities for his employees.

Chris discovered Pickleball during this time and was one of the early adopters of the sport in Northern Colorado. Already known as a social game, this gave Chris yet another group of friends. If you can truly measure a person by the quality of their friends, then Chris was a special person. His network was filled with men and women anyone would consider the best there is to offer. Chris was all about experiences more than anything else. From social gatherings and outdoor activities to travel with family or boating at Horsetooth Reservoir, he loved it all.

Born on St. Patrick's Day and gone way too soon, we were fortunate to know and love Chris. Heaven is lucky to have him. Maybe it could use an unofficial mayor. He will be missed more than words can express.

Chris is survived by his father, Dr. Charles Patti (Maria); mother Judy Patti (Mike); brother Greg (Havva); sister Mary Jo; and nephew Nic – plus a whole lot of extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life is currently in the planning process.

Cheers