Christian L. Pompa ’86

Chris, an all-around athlete and real estate developer from New York City, died Sept. 5, 2022. He was 58.

After growing up in Manhattan and attending Trinity School and Exeter, Chris came to Princeton, where he majored in economics, rowed on the heavyweight crew, and joined Ivy. His broad smile, easy laugh, and love of competition, friends, and zooming around campus in his car made him a memorable and beloved classmate.

After graduation, Chris moved back home to Manhattan to lead Caro Enterprises, where he worked on the construction, management, and development of hotels, apartment buildings, and medical-care centers. The company specialized in redeveloping and converting old buildings such as  candy factories and warehouses into apartments. Along the way, he earned a master’s degree from New York University in real estate development management.

When not at work, Chris found time to stay fit, often participating in marathons and triathlons, including one of his favorite events, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. He also continued to row, sometimes for a boat from the New York Athletic Club, where he was a lifetime member.

Just over 25 years ago, Chris married Elizabeth, who survives him along with his two children, Aidan and Charlotte. The Class of 1986 extends its condolences to the Pompa family as we remember and celebrate Chris’s athleticism, generous nature, and warm, gregarious personality.