Christopher Englese, an Award winning Director, Writer, Producer, Editor and Filmmaker passed away suddenly on November 13, 2023. He was 44.

A lifelong Jersey City resident, Christopher was a Hudson Catholic graduate and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Jersey City State University. He attended University of Glasgow in Scotland where he received his Master of Philosophy. Christopher dedicated himself to the betterment of the city that he loved. He worked for the City of Jersey City as the Senior Digital Content Creator, Mayor’s Office of Communications where he helped to triple Jersey City’s social media followers, and was a member of the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Task Force. He Co-Founded and was Past President of Bike JC, a non-profit advocacy organization that aims to make Jersey City streets safe for cyclists; here he played a major role in the implementation of bike lanes throughout Jersey City. Christopher was also responsible for starting the Jersey City Ward Tour.

As a gifted film maker, writer, producer and editor he received the 2023 Homegrown Documentary Award for his most recent Documentary “Strength Through Visibility” which premiered at the Garden State Film Festival this year. His work was recognized at the Austin Film Festival and awarded BEST FEATURE as well as receiving Official Selection for Documentary Feature of his work at the Virginia, Boulder International, Seattle Social Justice, Richmond International and Manhattan Film Festivals and Best Documentary Feature Nominee at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Christopher was also an Adjunct Professor within the Communications Arts & Sciences Department at CUNY; His prior pursuits include: Adjunct Professor of Film and Theory Analysis at Brookdale Community College; Adjunct Lecturer of Media Arts at Jersey City State University and Media Arts Instructor at Educate the Block, TEDEX speaker and the owner of JC DAYTRIPPERS and EASY RIDERS.

Chris loved to travel and explore the world and spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. A dedicated advocate for the Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth community, Chris was a true Altruist who lit up the world around him. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

He is survived by his parents, Margaret (neè Koch) and Leonard Englese (Maggie and Lenny); his brothers Michael Englese and his wife Tess (neé Contreras) and Jason Englese and his wife Camille (neè Cuicci); his sister Jessica Hablitz and her husband Sean Hablitz; his nieces and nephews Allison, John, Candice, Julianna, Alexa, Luca, Jakob, Evan, Emma and Marissa and his aunt  Maryann Koch Bauch (Cioci).

Anyone wishing to make a donation in lieu of flowers to honor Chris please consider New Alternatives NYC or True Colors United.

The direct links for donation are found below under Memorial Contributions.

Visitation will be at McLaughlin Funeral Home, 625 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Monday, November 20, 2023 from 9:30-10:30am. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 120 Sussex Street, Jersey City on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 11:00am. Cremation will be private.

Validated parking for funeral home is located at 2 Journal Square Plaza Parking (diagonally across from Stanley Theater in underground lot YOU ENTER ON THE LEFT OF CONSTRUCTION WHERE THE ORANGE TRAFFIC CONES ARE) where Pavonia Avenue meets Kennedy Boulevard (2940 Kennedy Blvd.). Please remember to bring your ticket with you to the funeral home for validation

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christopher , please visit the floral store.