Dhimitraq Kristo

Dhimitraq Kristo was born on June 26, 1962, in the beautiful city of Korçë, Albania. He passed away at the age of 62 on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024. Dhimitraq is survived by his loving wife Evgjeni Kristo, and their children, Vasjano Kristo, Xhimi Kristo, and Mariela Kristo as well as her two children. He was born into a family of traditional workers, consisting of his parents Nesti and Marika Kristo, and, his grandmother, Aleksandra Kristo. They had Dhimitraq, two daughters, and two other sons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nesti and Marika Kristo.

Dhimitraq attended high school at Raqi Qirinxhi in Korçë, Albania. After graduation he enrolled at the Police Academy in Tirana, Albania, where he was an excellent student, achieving exceptional marks in school. He was later appointed Chief of Police in the Dibra district, where he worked with great dedication, commitment, and passion. He left behind an impressive legacy displayed through his positive values and strong character, which are still remembered and respected by the different communities he served throughout his career in Korçë, Ersekë, and Pogradec.

After his role as Chief Police, he was appointed as a teaching instructor at the Police Academy, where he had graduated years earlier. He taught, mentored, and shared his wisdom with the future generations of police officers. Dhimitraq’s knowledge was extensive, and his students adored him, often connecting with him outside of the classroom.

In 2009, Dhimitraq immigrated to America with his close family. As a husband and a father, he worked endlessly to provide for his loved ones. His youngest son, Xhimi, arrived in America at the young age of one. Dhimitraq was determined to help support and teach Xhimi his native Albanian language by using his rich personal collection of books, movies, manuscripts, and more.

His spiritual life was vibrant. He was an active member of the Albanian-American Community and a devoted believer in Christ. Dhimitraq would spend time at St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church in Chicago. Books were his passion, and he spent most of his free time reading. He was interested in all the humanities, from philosophy to foreign languages, including English, Greek, French, and Italian. His hobbies included sports, especially basketball, which he played since high school and continued to organize basketball groups throughout his life.

Dhimitraq is deeply loved and will be remembered for years to come. Friends may visit with the family at the Cumberland Chapels 8300 W Lawrence Ave, Norridge, IL 60706 on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Family and Friends are to meet Friday, October 11th, 2024 at St Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church 2701 N Narragansett Ave, Chicago, IL 60639 for visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Interment Elmwood Cemetery.