Christian A. E. Yunis, age 50, of San Mateo, California, died in Natick, surrounded by loved ones, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, following a 21-month courageous fight with glioblastoma. He was the devoted and loving husband of Shabnam (Rahmani) Yunis and father of Darius (age 4.5).
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 15, 1973, he was the son of Borghild (Olson) Yunis and the late Dr. Edmond Yunis.
Christian grew up in Concord, where he attended Fenn and Middlesex. He got his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, as a Mathematics major and Theology minor, in 1995. He achieved his Master of Science in Teaching in Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire, Durham, in 2005.
A cherished member of his communities, he was a beloved son, brother, uncle, teacher, mentor, husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of so many.
Christian’s passion for mathematics and teaching shone brightly throughout his life. He spent nearly three decades educating young minds, sharing his enthusiasm for numbers and problem-solving while making a difference in everyone’s life he touched. His teaching career started at Kent School, Kent, Connecticut, in 1996. He started at Crystal Springs Uplands School in 2004 with a two-year stint teaching at Maimonides School in Brookline, from 2016-2018, before returning to Crystal in 2018 to teach and to serve as the Math Department Chair.
Many of his students remember Mr. Yunis as their favorite teacher who not only taught them math but many life lessons that impacted them profoundly. His sense of humor, love of Star Wars, Boston sports, and movie quotes would make their way into his classroom. As one student says, “He had this amazing combination of holding a high bar (we really had to know our stuff) but doing it with his warm, friendly, funny personality. It was fun to be in his class and he cared about every student as a person.”
Outside of the classroom, Christian was a devoted family man. His life became whole when he met the love of his life, Shab, and became a father to Darius, whom he counted as his greatest achievement and the most important part of his life.
He was an adoring husband and father, loving son, loyal brother and friend, and doting uncle who made cherished memories with his loved ones. His infectious laugh and genuine kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The way Christian lived through the last 21 months of his life, living fully despite a challenging prognosis, was no less than heroic. In fact, many family members call him their superhero for the way he stayed present, positive, full of joy, never complaining, and always loving. He was our teacher until the end.
Christian is survived by his beloved wife, Shab; his son, Darius; his mother, Borgie; his siblings, Maria, her partner Donald Crookes and her son Gregory Foley; David, his wife Silvana, and their children Camila and Matthew; Joseph, his wife Suzanne, and their children Joseph Jr. (Joey), Alexandra (Lexi), and Ava.
Christian left an indelible mark on the world, and he will be forever remembered for his brilliant mind, his compassionate spirit, and his lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to have crossed his path. May he rest in eternal peace.
A Celebration of Life honoring Mr. Yunis/Christian will be held on Friday, August 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Crystal Springs Uplands School in Hillsborough, California.
A second Celebration of Life honoring Christian’s life will be held in Concord in the fall. Details will be shared on the Dee Funeral Home website once finalized.
Private interment will be at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Darius Yunis education fund by donating to the ongoing gofundme campaign.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Christian’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
