January 26, 1966 – October 8, 2026
Christian “Chris” Joel Tacy passed away on October 8, 2026, at WakeMed Cary Hospital in Cary, North Carolina, at the age of 60, due to complications from diabetes and pneumonia. A vibrant and spirited man, Chris will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who will remember his energy, his passion for life, and the love he had for those closest to him.
Chris was born on January 26, 1966, on a cold, snowy night in Montreal, where his father, Robert (Bob), was studying dentistry and his mother, Madeline (Maddy), was working as a surgical nurse. His childhood was full of new places and new adventures: two years in Portland, Oregon, while Bob studied orthodontics, then a few years in Bethesda, Maryland, where Bob worked at the National Institutes of Health. In 1970, the family settled in Los Altos, California, the place Chris would always call home.
Chris attended St. William, St. Francis, and Woodside Priory schools. A talented athlete, he participated in a variety of sports and brought enthusiasm and competitive spirit to all his pursuits. Following high school, he attended Saint Mary’s College, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.
Chris started his career in customer service at Computerware, then moved into public relations at Brough Communications and Weber Shandwick. But his true passion ultimately led him to the world of automobiles. He founded Velocity Auto Group, a concierge car service in Los Altos. Through his business, Chris helped clients find and secure specialty cars, combining his personal passion with a commitment to serving others.
In 2000, Chris married Erin Bergamo, and together they made their home in Los Altos, where they welcomed their two beloved daughters, Amelia and Siena. The family’s adventures took them to Ascot, England, for three years, and later to Cary, North Carolina. Chris and Erin divorced in 2020, but his daughters remained at the center of his life.
Chris is survived by his daughters, Amelia, who attends Yale University, and Siena, who attends New York University, both of Palo Alto; his parents, Robert and Madeline Tacy of Los Altos Hills; and his brother, Mark Tacy of San Jose. He is also survived by his brother, Shannon Tacy; sister-in-law, Nicolette (Vandeneynde) Tacy and nephew Kieran (KJ) of Bend, Oregon.
Chris will be remembered for his vibrant personality, spirited nature, love of automobiles, and the many experiences and memories he shared with those around him. His life touched family and friends in the places he called home, from California to England and North Carolina.
Though his passing leaves a profound sadness, the memories of Chris and the mark he made on the lives of those who knew and loved him will endure. Chris will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all that knew him.
A private family memorial and burial will be held on November 25th at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Cupertino, California.
