Larry A. Chako

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

He was born on May 17, 1950, to Andrew Chako and Mary (Brozman) Chako and joined two sisters, Margaret (Chako) Savor and Barbara Chako in Youngstown, Ohio. After spending 17 years of his life in Girard, Ohio, his family moved to St. Petersburg, FL 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 on 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 Raliegh, North Carolina to work for North Carolina State University as the hazardous waste program manager. In 1988 he moved to Woodville, OH and worked for Brush Wellman, Inc. as director of Environmental Affairs & Community Relations until he retired in 2007.

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

On November 5, 2005, he married Sharon (Shae) DeBord Cramer and she survives. Added to his family were 3 step-daughters; Angela (Andrew) Basinger of Pandora, Jennifer Dietrich of Findlay and Kristy Kurtz (Troy Moore) of Findlay. He has 3 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, and 1 step great-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 participated in prison outreach, but he also showed a passion for the spiritual lives of his grandchildren. 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 precious and took every opportunity to share the saving life of Jesus Christ.

A celebration of life will be held on February 3, 2026, at 12:00 noon with visitation before the service from 10:00 to 11:30 AM 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.