Chris was a very happy man despite his CP disability. He was a lady’s man, always ready to meet and greet any good-looking woman (& all women were beautiful in his eyes) in his vicinity, eager to win them over. He loved to talk to strangers, ready to teach them his unique sign language and make people smile. He made friends of all ages easily and kept them in his life for many years.
Chris loved the following, not in any particular order: Basketball – he was a member of the Basketball Skills Special Olympic Team; putt-putt golf, Camping at Friendship Acres as well as his camping friends and golf cart rides; choo choo trains & train crossings, fishing – “cast it out and reel it in!” , music and dancing, “Thriller” by MJ, The Price is Right, children (in a good way), Digger O’Dells, passing out candy on Halloween & his absolute favorite holiday, Christmas.
Chris “worked” at the former sheltered workshop Portage Industries in Ravenna Ohio for 14 years where he met many of his longtime friends. He also attended Coleman Totally Be You Program for several years.
In recent years, Chris has spent his days in the company of his girl Linda Fiorentino, who was always eager to go on adventures with him. He also spent time with his other girls, Trish Wade & Madison Wade, going on outings and doing all kinds of fun stuff. Not to worry, all his ladies knew about one another and were happy to be Chris’ beck & call girls.
Chris is proceeded in death by his loving & devoted mother, Rande McDaniel who devoted her life to her son; Grandparents Robert & Thelma Derr, who helped Rande care for Chris during his early childhood, prior to their deaths.
Because Chris’ biological family has had no contact nor made any attempt to contact Christopher for the past 30+ years, they will not be mentioned here. Instead, Chris was loved by an entire community of people who literally where ‘his’ people, always ready for a conversation and lots of laughter. Chris’ tribe includes: Greg & Shelli Nartker who have had the privilage to love and care for Christopher for 12+ years – he filled our lives with love and joy and we are heartbroken at our loss; Aiden Nartker, who only recently became Chris’ partner-in-crime but they truly were best buds; Denise and Jim Gaurrich and Ryan McCoy.
Chris was blessed to have Ryan in his life for many years as his bowling and basketball buddy; Danielle Clifton of Glendale AZ, an honorary cousin who grew up with Chris and kept in touch as they both grew to adults; Josh, Deanna, Alex & Chloe Silver who also loved Chris & spent much family time with him; Scott & Karlena Schelat & their fur baby Riley Mae whose company Chris thoroughly enjoyed; Todd Schelat who taught Chris how to sign “turtle” which made Chris laugh to no end; Jason, Christine, Christian & Dominic Schrier, frequent visitors and playmates – Christine was a particular favorite because she gave Chris great pedicures every month; Jon, Samantha, Merek & Korbin Laslo who would often make special trips to visit Chris’ home and spend time playing; Priscilla, Logan & Hailie Furry who loved visiting Chris whenever they could. Hailie was especially fond of coloring pictures for and with Chris & of course, his aforementioned ladies, Linda, Trish & Madison as well as their families. The entire Nartker clan, (a family of 30+ members) hailing from Dayton Ohio, took Chris in as one of their own and are grieving along with us..
Private graveside service and interment at Grandview Memorial Park has been held.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.
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