Larry Chako Obituary

Larry A. Chako

Larry Andrew Chako went to his eternal home to be with Jesus Tuesday, January 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 17, 1950, to Andrew Chako and Mary (Brozman) Chako and joined two sisters, Margaret (Chako) Savor and Barbara Chako, in Youngstown. After spending 17 years of his life in Girard, his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1968. In 1972, he earned his BA in Natural Sciences from the University of South Florida. During that time, he met Cindy Wistrand, and they married October 20, 1973. Two children joined them in completing their family, Brian (Jessica) Chako of Findlay and Valerie (Jeff) Williams of Perrysburg.

He worked for the City of St. Petersburg as the Environmental Affairs Manager for 12 years before moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, to serve as the hazardous waste program manager at North Carolina State University. In 1988, he moved to Woodville and worked for Brush Wellman, Inc. as director of Environmental Affairs & Community Relations until he retired in 2007.

His wife, Cindy, passed away February 7, 2004. Both his parents and his sister, Barbara are deceased. His sister, Margie of Findlay, survives.

On November 5, 2005, he married Sharon (Shae) DeBord Cramer, and she survives. Added to his family were three stepdaughters, Angela (Andrew) Basinger of Pandora, Jennifer Dietrich of Findlay and Kristy Kurtz (Troy Moore) of Findlay. He has three grandchildren, seven stepgrandchildren, and a stepgreat-grandchild.

Larry's impact revolved around a heart for God. This was evident from his devotion to the study of the Word of God and his willingness to teach others. Not only did he teach systematic discipleship classes over the years and participate in prison outreach, but he also showed a passion for his grandchildren's spiritual lives. Larry carried himself as a serious, but kindhearted man. He had a brilliant mind and a talent for having deep conversations. His life experiences taught him how to be nonjudgmental when hearing others' thoughts. He took deep conversations seriously because he viewed every life as precious and took every opportunity to share the saving life of Jesus Christ.

A celebration of life will be at noon February 3, 2026, with visitation before service from 10-11:30 a.m. at Living Hope Church, 2515 Heatherwood Dr., Findlay, Ohio 45840. HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay (419) 422-1500, is honored to serve Larry's family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.