Christian Eric Engelbert, age 44, died at home on March 5, 2022 after an almost four-year battle with colorectal cancer.
Chris was the husband and best friend of Jenay (Zebley) Engelbert; devoted dad and stepdad of Vivian and Westin Engelbert, Riley and Max Terrill; cherished son of Linda (Bill) Miller and the late Bob Engelbert; brother of Brianne (Matt) McClellan and uncle of Noah Vogan; and grandson of Alida Prewett. In addition to his father, Chris was preceded in death by his uncle Dan Engelbert, and grandparents William Prewett, Robert and Jane Engelbert. He is survived by numerous other loving relatives and friends.
Chris was born on June 13, 1977, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Meadville Area Senior High School, where he played basketball and volleyball. He then attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he played club volleyball, and went on to earn two master’s degrees at Robert Morris University. Throughout his career he held a variety of information technology positions, his last being the Director of Technology for South Park School District.
Life threw Chris a curve ball in July 2018, when he was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer. Throughout his cancer treatments, and everything that came with them, Chris tried his hardest to maintain that “Chris” sense of humor. He endured what for many would be an insurmountable level of pain – physically and emotionally – but always fought through it as best he could for his family.
Having a solid foundation in his mom and Bill, and Brianne’s family was key in Chris’ life. Over the last three years, his family made countless trips from Meadville to Pittsburgh to support him. Chris knew how difficult it was for them to see him struggle and was extremely grateful for their help during these difficult years.
Chris married Jenay in April 2017. Jenay, who both grounded and challenged Chris, was truly the love of his life. “For better or worse” and “in sickness and in health” took on a meaning for them that most couples never experience, but they were in it together, and Jenay was by his side from day one until the end.
Vivian and Westin, Chris’ children, gave him the will to fight for as long as he did. Despite feeling ill most of his days, he attended as many cheerleading events, hockey, and flag football games as he possibly could, and he loved those moments. Chris talked often about the things he knew he would miss out on seeing his kids accomplish as they got older, but made it his mission to give them as many happy memories of their time together as he could. He and Jenay planned fun trips to Delaware with Chris’ family, trips to Atlantis and Disney, but most often just nights together at home as a family of six. For all his teasing, Chris felt that no job he ever had was as important or meant as much to him as being a dad.
Chris loved to travel, whether with Jenay and the kids, or with his entire family. And in their short time together, trips with Jenay held a special place in his heart. They especially loved going to brunches and dinners together, catching a live comedy performance in Pittsburgh, and watching live music. Chris loved going to concerts - among his favorites were Pearl Jam, the Lumineers, Andy Grammar, and Summerfest in Milwaukee.
Chris grew up as an athlete, and that love of sports stayed with him as an adult. He tried a variety of workouts, including literally waking up one morning and deciding to run a marathon, but his true passion was volleyball. Chris was a presence on the court. You couldn’t help but enjoy being on the same team with him, and yet it was just as fun to be on the receiving end of his trash talk. He made a lot of special friendships on the volleyball court, and those stayed strong until the end.
Throughout his illness, Chris always tried to stay true to who he was. Funny, sarcastic, strong. A husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend. He experienced so much in his short life, and although he wasn’t much of a worrier, cancer caused him to worry about things you shouldn’t have to worry about when you are in your early 40’s, newly married, with a supportive family and friends, a fulfilling career, and optimistic about what the future holds. He often worried about being forgotten after he was gone. What he couldn’t fully appreciate is how truly impossible that is. He left a mark on everyone who met him. He was the core of the Engelbert family. His gave his wife Jenay a deep love, and memories that will stay with her for a lifetime. His children are a reflection of him – Vivian, with her fierce determination to be successful in the things she is passionate about, and Westin, with his keen sense of wit and Chris’ facial expressions. His stepchildren, Riley and Max, learned from him the joy of not taking yourself too seriously. And of course, the many friends Chris made over the years. Those who knew him well know that underneath the jokes, the sarcasm, the eyerolls, and even the mumbling rants, there was love, and strength, and joy. He will never be forgotten.
Arrangements by BEINHAUER. The family will receive friends Thursday, March 10 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm and Friday, March 11 from 12-4pm and 6-8pm at Beinhauer Family Funeral Home at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at First Bethel United Methodist Church, 5901 Library Rd, Bethel Park, PA 15102 . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the AHN Hospice and Palliative Healthcare fund at www.ahn.org.