Christopher Anthony Tomasino

Christopher “Chris” Tomasino was born on December 13, 1961, in Alexandria, Virginia. After a battle with cancer, he passed away on December 22, 2023. He passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by friends and family. Chris was 62 years old. Chris is survived by his sister, Carla (Tomasino) Burbo, her husband Michael, their children Samuel and Nicholas, and longtime friend, Julio Diaz. Chris is predeceased by his father, Carmelo F. Tomasino, and mother, Molly T. Tomasino. Upon his graduation from Woodbridge High School in 1979, Chris moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia to attend James Madison University where he would graduate in 1983 with a degree in Music Education. Chris actively performed in the marching band, wind ensemble, and symphony orchestra on the clarinet, his primary instrument. He was a tremendously proud alumnus of JMU, consistently cheering on their football team and marching band throughout his entire life. After graduating, Chris moved back to northern Virginia where he worked at the Burke and Herbert Bank as vice president and compliance officer. Whilst a banker by day, Chris was an avid theatre music director by night. Throughout Chris’ extensive career in the greater D.C. metro area, he worked for several theatre companies, including The Arlington Players and Port City Playhouse, however, he chiefly served as a music director for The Little Theatre of Alexandria, to which he dedicated over three decades of service. Chris loved LTA and worked tirelessly for its improvement, even recently serving as director of development for the 2022-2023 season. He was an award-winning music director, consistently being nominated for and winning numerous WATCH (Washington Area Theatre Community Honors) awards throughout his lifetime. Chris was recognized for his gifted musical vision and his ability to teach vocalists and instrumentalists alike with equal excellence. Through his dedication to education, Chris began music directing and teaching theatre at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria in 1988, working with the school for thirty-five consecutive years up through their 2023 production of The Music Man. In 2018, BIHS honored Chris’ dedicated service and his impact to the school community through a plaque gifted to him in his honor. In addition to his love of theatre, Chris was an avid home-chef and baker. He routinely made incredible dishes for his friends and family. He loved watching cooking shows and trying out recipes he’d seen for his loved ones. Before Chris passed, he asked that the following poem be shared in his memory: “Remember me with smiles and laughter, For that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, Then don’t remember me at all.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder Chris will be remembered for his incredible love of music, his passion for teaching, and his outrageous humor which always found a way to make one smile. In lieu of flowers, Chris’ family asks that you please make a donation to The Little Theatre of Alexandria in support of their new sound system. Chris’ life will be celebrated on the following dates: Visitation: February 15, 2024, 5-8pm Jefferson Funeral Chapel 5755 Castlewellan Dr Alexandria, VA 22315 Visitation: February 16, 2024, 10am Nativity Catholic Church 6400 Nativity Lane Burke, VA 22015 Funeral: February 16, 2024, 11am Nativity Catholic Church 6400 Nativity Lane Burke, VA 22015

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Christopher Anthony Tomasino

December 13, 1961 - December 22, 2023