Kristopher Robert Nettnin

Kris’s life was full of love, laughs, compassion and joy. He was funny, fearless, and innovative. He was beyond dedicated to all those he cared for.

Kris passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 1, 2025 at the age of 46. He is predeceased by his mother Patricia Nettnin. He is survived by his wife Heather and son Austin. Kris is also survived by many other family members including: Thomas (father) & Roberta Nettnin; Jonathan (brother) Kara, Ryan, Justin & Isabella Nettnin; Debora Kinsella (mother-in-law); David Miller (father-in-law); Eric (brother-in-law), Helen, Nicholas, Ryan & Jack Miller; Amanda (sister-in-law), Joseph, Riley & Finn VerHulst; as well as cousins and other relatives.

Kris grew up in Greece with his parents and brother: Pat, Tom and Jon. From an early age Kris was was strong-willed and gave Pat and Tom a run for their money. He was always on the go with sports and his friends. He attended Greece schools, graduating in 1997 from Greece Athena. He was able to participate on numerous football, basketball and baseball teams throughout. Kris was a part of band and the show choir band which led him to travel around the U.S. and Europe. He continued his education at Finger Lakes Community College (2000) and Rochester Institute of Technology (2002). While at RIT, Kris began working at Lumarc as an intern, which later became Function 5 Technology Group. By 2025, he had become the Vice President of Information Technology. Through his 23 years with the same company he was able to foster many lasting friendships.

Heather and Austin were the most important people to Kris and he loved them beyond measure. Kris met Heather in high school and they were friends into college. They started dating in 2001. Kris proposed in December of 2003 and they were married in 2004. Heather and Kris were able to do so many things as a couple. They travelled with friends, camped with family, and Kris even got Heather to play softball for a season. Nothing compared to being a dad though.

Kris and Heather were blessed with their son Austin Thomas in 2010. Kris’s world revolved around Austin. He did anything and everything he could for his boy. Kris shared his sense of adventure with Austin through camping trips and the enjoyment his Jeep brought to the family. He shared his love of sports through attending events like Buffalo Bills games, the Rochester Knighthawks games, watching the Olympics, and other local games. But nothing brought Kris more joy than coaching Austin. Kris loved coaching. He wanted to make a difference not only in Austin’s life but the lives of all the other kids. Through coaching Kris was able to share his willpower and determination. He taught the players the importance of having a respect for the game but also the grit to push through challenges. He taught Austin and others that you need to persevere.

In September 2023 Kris was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. He was ready to fight and said yes to any treatment or trial that would give him a chance to get more time. His diagnosis did not define him. He continued to live his best life. He never stopped being everyone’s go-to-guy. If you needed help with anything (especially computers) you called Kris. He was so generous and willing to lend a helping hand. He was the guy you called to get on a ladder or get on your roof. He was the guy that had all the tools for any situation. Through his fight, he rooted for Austin on the sidelines in soccer, swimming, baseball and track & field as well as other school events like band and speaking at Board of Education meetings. Kris travelled with family, went camping, and attended Bills and Knighthawks games. He celebrated with friends. No one can deny that Kris lived and like all other things, he didn’t lose. He fought for every minute and protected his family and friends. His heart was so big and for that, he is the winner.

Kris was a strong man, loving husband, and an incredibly proud father. He was a great son, caring brother, kind in-law, fun uncle, dedicated coach and loyal friend. His influence is never ending and will never be forgotten.

Please celebrate Kris’s life with us. Visitation will be on Wednesday February 12th from 4-8 pm and his funeral service will be on Thursday February 13th at 11:00 am. Both events will be held at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester 14626.

In lieu of flowers, and to thank the countless doctors, nurses and others that helped Kris, donations can be made in memory of Kris Nettnin to Lipson Cancer Institute at Rochester Regional Health Foundations, 330 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 or by visiting www.rrhgive.org/giving.