Christopher John Berzac

Chris was born on December 16, 1976, in Wayne, Michigan, to parents Cary and Donna Berzac. He is survived by his wife Jessica Hoff Berzac; sons Oliver (17), Thomas (13), and Walter (11); his mother Donna Berzac; siblings Corey Berzac (Stacey) and Elizabeth Tobias (Andrew); and a multitude of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Chris grew up in Westland and Livonia, Michigan. He relished his role as the big brother, whether wrestling with his brother Corey or applauding his sister Beth’s dance recitals. He and his dad shared a love for cars, baseball, and the Detroit Lions. Despite securing a perfect score on the fourth-grade state math test, he quickly pivoted to theater, which soon became his passion.

Chris went on to spend over a decade performing, teaching, and producing improv comedy in Chicago, where he trained at iO Theater (next to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field), performed at too many theaters to recount, and shifted his baseball allegiance to the Chicago Cubs. He roamed the streets of Wrigleyville in a joyous happy haze because he was doing what he loved, in a city he loved. While he dreamed of getting the tap for an SNL audition, he was supremely content and confident performing improv comedy with his dear friends on the Quincy team. And he was renowned for his legendary “Alley Cat Dance,” a comedic routine that he and his sister Beth performed in Chicago comedy clubs.

He met his future wife, Jessica, in August 2004 through a truly terrible first date that included a declined credit card, a bad improv show, and a fateful kiss in the pouring rain along Lake Michigan. They fell instantly and madly in love and married in June 2008. After welcoming their son Oliver in 2009, they eventually moved to Fresno, California, where both Thomas and Walter were born in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Chris graduated from Roosevelt University in 2010 and, in 2013, earned his teaching credential at Fresno Pacific University. For the past 13 years, Chris was a dynamic and engaging classroom teacher for students at all levels, from high school theater students to preschool learners. His favorite teaching experiences ranged from directing a high school musical theater production of Rock of Ages, to singing “The Boundaries Song” with 3-year-olds. Chris loved being an educator, being a safe adult for students, and still dreamed of pursuing further education to become a counselor to teenagers. He deeply respected young people and believed our country’s future was bright because of the students whom he felt honored to meet. He was passionate about social justice and proudly wore statement t-shirts to help ensure the world knew his stance. He protested, donated, and fought for justice for his immigrant neighbors, trans youth, and the LGBTQ+ community. He posted Black Lives Matters lawn signs in his yard and replaced them over and over when stolen.

Chris was a devoted dad, a beloved husband, and one of the funniest people any of us were lucky enough to know. Chris was the life of the party and made conversation easily with everyone he met, from a grocery store clerk to a tour guide in Mexico City. He was often referred to as a ray of light for his ability to draw a crowd and also ensure everyone in that circle felt his crude yet welcoming warmth and a belly aching laugh. He was a dedicated Den Leader for Scouting America Pack 75, where he was a masterful high energy emcee for the annual Pinewood Derby. He was an enthusiastic cheerleader for his sons and their activities, whether Oliver’s improv comedy shows, Thomas’s Minecraft Club competitions or Walter’s baseball games. He went out of his way to rearrange schedules and drive countless miles to ensure he was present for his sons. He was confidently proud of the men they are becoming and trusted them to make wise decisions in their own lives. He marked every morning with a kiss on the head and the phrase, “do well, be good.”

A consummate host, he put on countless family feasts and celebrations, often featuring his legendary tri-tip steak, signature fish tacos, or fresh mojitos. Thanksgiving dinners were made even better by his hilarious poetry recitations, terrible accents included. Chris loved going to the movies, sleeping in late, a good afternoon nap, fast food, stand-up comedy, any excuse to wear a costume, making playlists for family road trips, sending memes to friends, Wu Tang Clan, and mostly his family. A film nerd, he was equally devoted to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the work of Akira Kurosawa. He celebrated his family and especially his wife and proudly called himself her biggest cheerleader. He was a feminist who adored his wife and strived every day to be a better man and husband, whether preparing her coffee every day or going to therapy weekly to learn his own moods better. He constantly chose to make his family, coworkers, and friends happy, even when he couldn’t always find joy for himself.

Chris struggled for most of his adult life with bipolar disorder and depression, and fought valiantly to stay present, healthy, and well for his family. He died by suicide after losing this battle with mental illness, and we will grieve his loss forever.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

A visitation for Chris will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 3–6 PM, at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 N. Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at 11 AM, at The Big Red Church, located at 2131 N. Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, California, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in memory of Chris Berzac.