Christopher Paul “Chris” Zegarelli, age 57, passed away on February 20, 2026, in Hoover, Alabama and is now in God’s care. He was born on February 9, 1969, in Birmingham, Alabama, and his life was filled with hard work and a true passion for the things he loved.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Zegarelli, Sr., and Ann Sollecito Zegarelli, whom he cherished deeply.
He is survived by his brother, Joe Zegarelli, Jr., and his wife, Lynn, of Hoover, AL; his aunts, Nancy Frascatore of Birmingham, AL; Eleanor Hutchins of Saratoga, NY; Philomena Merritt of Amsterdam, NY; and Vicki Sollecito of Amsterdam, NY; along with numerous cousins who will miss him dearly.
For more than 30 years, Chris built a respected and admired career in the automotive industry. He began his journey at Roebuck Honda, later joining the Serra Group, before realizing his dream of owning his own business. With an unwavering work ethic and a true craftsman’s eye, he operated his own auto reconditioning center and wholesale business. Chris had a deep passion for classic cars from the 1960s and 1970s, admiring their style, craftsmanship, and history. In addition to his love for these timeless vehicles, he possessed an extraordinary gift for transforming cars of all kinds, restoring them with remarkable care and skill, and making them look brand new again.
Chris’s love for cars was matched only by his love of sports. He was an enthusiastic University of Alabama football fan and enjoyed following the NFL. A devoted collector, he found joy in seeking out sports memorabilia that connected him to the teams and moments he admired.
A man of quiet faith, Chris was raised in the Catholic Church. He also loved time spent along the Gulf Coast, especially during trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Panama City Beach, Florida, where he found peace in the sun and surf.
Chris will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his loyalty, and his ability to find beauty in the details—whether in the cars he restored or the relationships he nurtured throughout his life.
A Memorial Service will be held at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum.
