Christopher Anthony DeCenzo
Christopher Anthony DeCenzo, 74, of southeast Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on February 17, 2026. He was born May 21, 1950, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Dominic DeCenzo and Sally Lyle DeCenzo.
Chris was a 1968 graduate of Westerville High School and continued his education at The Ohio State University, where he completed three years of study. Over the course of his life, he became known as a man who could fix nearly anything and was never afraid of hard work. His wide range of occupations included logging, construction, security, and commercial maintenance—each one reflecting his steady hands, determined spirit, and servant’s heart.
Above all, Chris was devoted to his faith. He faithfully served as Custodian at Faith Baptist Church until his final days, considering it both a privilege and a calling. He was an integral and founding member of the church’s Disaster Relief Team, always ready to travel wherever the need was greatest. He treasured working alongside Cabins for Christ ministry, helping build and deliver small cabins for families displaced by natural disasters. He also volunteered weekly at the local LSS Food Pantry, where he deeply loved not only those he served, but also the friends and fellow volunteers who served faithfully beside him.
Chris was an evangelist at heart. He longed for others to experience in Christ the same hope and healing he had found. Even in his final days, he shared the Gospel and prayed for those caring for him. His greatest desire and prayer would be that all who knew him would come to know Jesus.
He found joy in the outdoors, spending time in Alaska and, in recent years, enjoying the quiet hills of southeast Ohio on a goat farm with his beloved wife, Susie. He loved refinishing furniture and antiques, raising goats, and—much to Susie’s amusement—playing air guitar behind her back. A devoted reggae and Bob Marley fan, he carried a lighthearted spirit that brought smiles to many.
Chris’s greatest earthly joy came from his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He is survived by his precious wife, Susie DeCenzo; his daughters, Carrie DeCenzo and Angela DeCenzo; his stepdaughter, Annie Woods; and his stepson, Benjamin Woods. He was a proud grandfather to Naiylah, Jewel, Maudea, Mikayla, Devon, Araya, Nesta, and Kaya, and great-grandfather to Sophia. Each of them held a special place in his heart.
He is also survived by his siblings, Nikki (Joel) DeCenzo and Matt (Kelly) DeCenzo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Craig DeCenzo and Holli (Jenny) DeCenzo.
Chris cherished the deep friendships he shared with Nate Trescott, Jim Smith, Jim Woodworth, and Howard Grimmet, who were like brothers to him and stood by him through many seasons of life.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Absolute Hospice for the compassionate and dedicated care they provided to Chris and Susie during some of their most difficult days.
Christopher Anthony DeCenzo will be remembered as a faithful servant, a hardworking provider, a loving husband and grandfather, and a man whose life pointed others to Jesus. His hands built many things in this life—but his greatest work was in building hope in the hearts of others.
Friends may call on Sunday, March 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 200 Grove Rd., Belle Valley, OH 43717, where a funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., with a meal to follow; flowers may be sent to the church at the above address, or in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Baptist Church Disaster Relief Team.