Christopher Probasco
January 12th, 1941 - February 17th, 2024
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Christopher's Obituary
Christopher Garret Probasco passed away peacefully while in hospice care at Woodland Terrace Bridgman on February 17, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who left an indelible impression on everyone he met through his joyful spirit, warm presence, and sense of humor.
Chris “Garry” was born on January 12, 1941, to Christopher Allen and Ada Virginia (Dunn) in Riverside, New Jersey. He carried his love for his home state throughout his life, often telling larger-than-life stories about his school days at Peddie, growing up in Beverly and Rumson, and spending time at the Jersey Shore.
At Syracuse University, Chris graduated with a BA in geography, played varsity baseball, and was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. He remained a proud Orangeman his entire life. Chris enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1965, serving as a traffic analyst.
After college, Chris moved to New York City, first working for Proctor & Gamble and later the textile division of Monsanto. In 1971, he was transferred to Chicago and in 1978 moved to Southwest Michigan where he enjoyed a long, successful career in rubber chemical sales with Flexsys, a division of Monsanto. He was also an Emeritus member of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society and served as President of both the Fort Wayne and West Michigan rubber groups.
Chris thoroughly enjoyed sports as both a spectator and participant, running, reading, gardening, golf at BHCC and Harbor Shores with friends, listening to music, and annual family vacations to Palm Island Resort and Hilton Head. He was a devoted and loving husband and father who built his life around family and always being present. He was attuned to the natural world and loved sitting on his deck, observing peaceful moments. Living near the shores of Lake Michigan gave him daily enjoyment in witnessing nature’s extremes. His love of the Great Lakes region and inclement weather ran deep.
Chris is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna Probasco; son. Brett (Rachael) Probasco of Aurora, IL; daughter, Brittany (Alan) Carlson of Minneapolis, MN; sister, Katherine “Kit” Fisher of St. Joseph, MI; and grandchildren, Christopher Charles and Ethan Alexander Probasco, and Ada Wilder Carlson.
Chris was special in every sense of the word. His genuine nature was obvious to everyone he met, leading to many lifelong relationships both in his professional and personal lives. His family is forever grateful for the time, love, and oh-so-abundant laughter they shared together. He will be missed beyond words.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI with a Time of Reflection and Sharing starting at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Chris “Garry” was born on January 12, 1941, to Christopher Allen and Ada Virginia (Dunn) in Riverside, New Jersey. He carried his love for his home state throughout his life, often telling larger-than-life stories about his school days at Peddie, growing up in Beverly and Rumson, and spending time at the Jersey Shore.
At Syracuse University, Chris graduated with a BA in geography, played varsity baseball, and was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. He remained a proud Orangeman his entire life. Chris enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1965, serving as a traffic analyst.
After college, Chris moved to New York City, first working for Proctor & Gamble and later the textile division of Monsanto. In 1971, he was transferred to Chicago and in 1978 moved to Southwest Michigan where he enjoyed a long, successful career in rubber chemical sales with Flexsys, a division of Monsanto. He was also an Emeritus member of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society and served as President of both the Fort Wayne and West Michigan rubber groups.
Chris thoroughly enjoyed sports as both a spectator and participant, running, reading, gardening, golf at BHCC and Harbor Shores with friends, listening to music, and annual family vacations to Palm Island Resort and Hilton Head. He was a devoted and loving husband and father who built his life around family and always being present. He was attuned to the natural world and loved sitting on his deck, observing peaceful moments. Living near the shores of Lake Michigan gave him daily enjoyment in witnessing nature’s extremes. His love of the Great Lakes region and inclement weather ran deep.
Chris is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna Probasco; son. Brett (Rachael) Probasco of Aurora, IL; daughter, Brittany (Alan) Carlson of Minneapolis, MN; sister, Katherine “Kit” Fisher of St. Joseph, MI; and grandchildren, Christopher Charles and Ethan Alexander Probasco, and Ada Wilder Carlson.
Chris was special in every sense of the word. His genuine nature was obvious to everyone he met, leading to many lifelong relationships both in his professional and personal lives. His family is forever grateful for the time, love, and oh-so-abundant laughter they shared together. He will be missed beyond words.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI with a Time of Reflection and Sharing starting at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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