Chris became enveloped in this Italian-Canadian experience. Connie's family embraced the Dane, and Chris felt that he had found what he had long been missing in Canada: a real, loving family. With no children of their own, Chris and Connie helped care for Connie's four nieces, Paula, Theresa, Michelle, and Carmela. Connie's brother-in-law, Perry, became one of Chris's best friends. Chris also became very attached to his mother-in-law, Carmela Colangelo-she helped fill the gap in his life left by the absence of his mother, Anna.