Memorial Service Set For Bergen County Coach And Father Of 3

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Tragedy has struck the Woolis family of Elmwood Park twice.

Thirteen years ago, Chris Woolis and his wife Christa lost one of their infant triplets, John, at 9 months of age.

Then, earlier this month, Woolis, 57, died of cancer — just seven days after being diagnosed, according to a GoFundMe set up for the family.

Woolis was a local sportswriter, Little League coach, and an analyst at a risk assessment company. He was also the father of twin boys and a girl.

Now, the town is mourning him, raising funds for his family, and planning a memorial service.

As of Monday, a GoFundMe organized by Elmwood Park Little League had raised $31,000 for the family.

According to Woolis' obit, loved ones are also planning a "celebration of life" service next month. The service will be held Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at Veterans Ball Park in Elmwood Park, 500 Mola Blvd. A baseball tribute game will be held in Woolis' honor afterward. Attendees are advised to bring a chair to the events.

"The beloved husband and father ... is now reunited with his infant son Johnny, who passed away in 2012 at just nine months old," Woolis' obituary says. "In preparation for the arrival of the triplets [in 2012], the family moved from their apartment in Bloomfield to their home in Elmwood Park, where they built a life full of love, laughter, and community. Chris' greatest passion was his family and helping others."

Woolis is survived by his wife Christa, a special education teacher, and their three children: Chloe, 17, and twins Anthony and Peter, 13.

The GoFundMe is here. The obituary is here.