Christopher "Chris" J. Kubiak

Christopher James "Chris" Kubiak, 47, beloved son of James and Phyllis Kubiak and life partner of Angela Bernardi, passed away on February 19th, 2025, at Stanford Hospital near his home in Menlo Park, California.

Born on December 12, 1977, in Midland, Michigan, Chris grew up with a passion for learning and athletics. He attended Midland High School, where he played offensive tackle (#72) on the 11-1 varsity football team and graduated in 1996. His academic journey continued at Michigan State University (BS Business) before he pursued law, graduating in 2004 from Notre Dame Law School, a point of great pride for his father, a lifelong fan of the Fighting Irish. Chris always found time for athletics during his academic journey, walking onto the Michigan State football team and helping his ND Law flag football team win a championship under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium.

After graduating law school, Chris passed the California Bar exam and started employment at Shearman & Sterling LLP in San Francisco. One of his favorite law school professors, and now Supreme Court Justice, Amy Coney Barrett, penned a letter of recommendation for Chris. Over the course of his career, Chris worked as a corporate lawyer for several other international law firms and also held a position as in-house counsel for a family office. Throughout his years practicing law, his colleagues respected him not only for his legal skill but also for his quick wit and the nuanced perspective he brought to every discussion. Friends and family also remember his charm, generous nature, gifted communication skills, and natural ability to connect with people.

Chris had a wide range of talents and interests that reflected his dynamic personality. He was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed following Notre Dame, MSU, and Bay Area sports teams, in particular the Golden State Warriors, and he maintained an interest in fitness long after his own time playing football. Beyond athletic interests, he had a deep appreciation for the arts. He enjoyed visiting museums, especially the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, and attending the symphony and musicals, especially Hamilton. Chris could engage in many topics and never shied away from weighty discussions. He was a dedicated reader and film fanatic, and he loved watching and discussing movies and books with those around him, especially his mother, to whom he owes his literary prowess. Gardening was a talent he discovered later in his life, which gave him a great amount of peace and purpose. Chris also enjoyed cooking and experimenting with different spices, many of which he grew at home. Throughout his life, Chris loved to explore the world. Favorite destinations, near and far, included the family cottage at Big Whitefish Lake, Traverse City, Disney World, Amsterdam, Colombia, Bali, and the Maldives. He also lived in London for a summer during law school.

Chris is survived by his devoted wife Angela Bernardi, who was his partner in every sense of the word. Their life together was one of mutual admiration, and she gave him unwavering support. He also leaves behind his father, James Kubiak, his mother, Phyllis Kubiak, and his sisters, Kristin and Stephanie, who will forever cherish the memories of their one and only son and brother. Special recognition goes out to his beloved childhood friend Joel Keister and cousin Marc DePuydt, now Father Francesco in the Catholic priesthood, who were like brothers to him. Chris was also a proud cat dad to his fur babies, Ezzy and Abby. He had a particularly special connection with Ezzy, who would find Chris’s lap every time he sat down.

Chris's life was one marked by perseverance, a commitment to learning, and a deep connection to the world around him. His was a life well-lived and he had a mind that was always questioning and growing. Like a bestseller, each chapter of Chris’s life was filled with interesting and exciting events. We only hoped and prayed there would be more chapters. Chris will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 am, Thursday, July 3 at Mary Queen of Apostles in Sand Lake. Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Francesco DePuydt. Interment, Pierson Cemetery. Luncheon will be held at Red Bird Bistro & Grill after services at the cemetery.

Family or friends wishing to honor Christopher Kubiak are invited to make a memorial contribution in his name to Nine Lives Foundation (https://ninelivesfoundation.org).

Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home in Cedar Springs.