Christopher Dean Santell, 65, of Columbia Station, Ohio, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, November 13, 2025. A devoted husband, proud father, and loyal friend, Chris is remembered for his dependability, kind nature, and willingness to go above and beyond for the people he loved.
Chris graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and began his working life as an electric technician. His technical skill and dedication led him to a long career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he served as an Electronics Technician and later rose to Chief of Security at the Cleveland FBI. He worked alongside his wife Linda and his mother-in-law Regina Garcowski during part of his career before retiring in 2018. In retirement, Chris embraced a wide range of hobbies and treasured the extra time he had to spend with family and friends.
Throughout his successful career, Chris played a key role in high-profile security efforts including providing security for the Republican National Convention held in Cleveland in 2016. He earned recognition for both his technical contributions and leadership. In retirement, he pursued competitive shooting and won multiple medals most recently at the NRA F-Class Long Range Championships in 2025. Above all his professional achievements, Chris’s proudest accomplishment was raising his two sons, endlessly boasting about their successes and supporting them every step of the way.
Chris is survived by his sons Steven Santell and Anthony Santell; his brother Michael Santell; daughter-in-law Rebekah Santell and future daughter-in-law Jamie Santell; nieces Megan Santell, Heather Santell, Koral Blunt, Ali Mercer, Sherry Sanfilippo, Michelle Ward and Christine Ciara and nephews Joel Gosnell, Randall Gosnell, Ian Mercer, Sean Mercer, Jason Garcowski, Jacob Garcowski, and Jimmy Ciara.
In Christopher’s passing, his steadiness, fierce devotion, and care will continue to shape the lives of those who loved him. The lessons he taught about loyalty, craftsmanship, and taking pride in both work and family will be carried forward by his sons, his extended family, and the many friends who counted on him. May his memory be a guiding light in ordinary days and in moments of celebration, a reminder to live with the same thoughtfulness and commitment he gave so freely.
The family will recieve friends on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. at Craciun Funeral Home, 14925 Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 12PM at Saint Ambrose Catholic Parish, 929 Pearl Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212 (Please meet at church). Interment will follow at Columbia Township Royalton Road Cemetery, 26025 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028.
