Name: Calling hours for Christopher Golonka
Start: 2021-07-16T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-07-17T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Egan-Ryan Funeral Service - Northwest Chapel

Golonka, Christopher
1963 - 2021
Christopher J. Golonka, age 58, of Powell, Ohio, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 23, 1963 to Carole A. and Kenneth A. Golonka Sr. Chris graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1981, and The Ohio State University in 1985. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Frank and Helen Knoll, Louis Golonka and Margaret Bergole, father-in-law Dirk Visser and mother-in-law Ursula Visser, and brother Kenneth A. Golonka Jr. Chris is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Inka; and loving children, Frankie (Austin) Nesbit, Alex (Shea), and Stephen Golonka; and granddaughter, Harper Nesbit. He will be dearly missed by his parents, Ken and Carole; brothers, Greg (Julie) and Dan (Megan); sister, Margaret (Greg) Nicholson; sisters-in-law, Denise Golonka and Rhoda Lynn (Pete) Robinson. Beloved nieces and nephews, Katie, Ken, Michelle, Tess, Caroline, Nicole, Lauren, Matthew, Daniel, Jane, and Rose Golonka, Beth (Dominic) Valentino, Ben, Madeleine, Sam, and Isabel Nicholson, and Luc, Skyler, and Jessi Robinson. Chris was the Managing Partner of Euclid Public Sector and Euclid Alternative Risk, he was a 35 year respected veteran of the insurance industry. Chris was a true, catholic, family man, a devoted member of St. Agatha Catholic Church, his deepest love being for his wife, family, and his special dogs. He enjoyed playing football in high school and college and coaching youth football as a volunteer. Always joking around, he was quick with a joke and loved to make others laugh. He loved hard and cared deeply about the happiness of those around him. Friends may call 4-8pm Friday at the EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME NORTHWEST CHAPEL 4661 Kenny Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10am Saturday at St. Agatha Church Northam and Andover Roads. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Columbus Humane, to help one of Chris' favorite causes – animals in need.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jul. 14 to Jul. 15, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Golonka

Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.

23 Entries

Sheila Dalton

October 8, 2023

Is this the Chris Galonka that worked for MacCready and Gutmann? My husband, John Dalton, died last month and I´m reaching out to those who knew him.1-415-465-0113. Sheila Dalton

Mckenzie Metzger

August 9, 2021

From one animal lover to another. Prayers for Chris & the whole family. May you rest in the Lord´s peace.

Deion Marquis McGrapth

July 17, 2021

My God father I am so sorry I could not be there for you dad. I love you so much and you really did help make me the man I am today pops. I am so sorry and send my condolences to everyone. This one really broke my heart pops. I miss you and everyone so much. Y´all meant and always have a special place in my heart. -the magic man. "Now you see me now you don´t" love you Mr.Golonka.

Patricia Patrick

July 17, 2021

Dear Inka,
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dear Chris. I saw the obituary and was shocked. Even though we haven´t been in touch for quite some time, know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Pat

Roberta Blackwell &Deion McGrapth

July 16, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Joe Cerreta

July 16, 2021

I was shocked and saddened when I heard about Chris´s passing. Chris and I worked together for the past five years and I always looked forward to our conversations. When he quoted Foghorn Leghorn and Mr. Magoo I knew we shared something special. He exuded kindness and a big heart. He will be truly missed and I am so sorry for your loss.

Larry Ziniel

July 15, 2021

What a sad day it was when we learned about the passing of this dear friend and past neighbor of ours. Chris was foundational to our gang of "White Barkers" and we always had great fun together with Chris and Inka and the kids. Chris' world revolved around his family. He will remain in our hearts as a kind and compassionate man, and a rock for his community. Our sincere condolences to Inka and the kids. You have so many people here to support you, so please reach out to us when the time is right for you.

Nicole Walsh

July 15, 2021

My deepest sympathies for the Golonka family on the loss of such a bright light. I have felt very lucky to have known Chris these past 3 years. I could always feel compassion and caring in every conversation, and he often offered much-needed perspective for this new mom during a challenging time in the world. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Artra Watkins

July 15, 2021

I worked with Chris at ACE. He was kind and his spirit was gentle.

Although I haven't seen him in years, I am most saddened by the loss as he was a special kind of kind.

To the family...you have my deepest condolences as your circle is broken and will never be the same.

With that, Remember God's grace as it will sustain you.

God bless.

Artra

Julie LaMorte

July 15, 2021

My most sincere condolences for your loss. Chris was more than a boss, he was a kind & compassionate friend who truly cared for and loved his employees. In his memory, I have contributed to the Columbus Humane as I know how much he cherished his beloved dogs. I´m so very sorry for your loss.

Jason & Monica Graves

July 15, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Diane Steinert

July 15, 2021

Chris was a rare soul. He had so much compassion for what he did and for the people around him. The love of his family and friends was unparalleled. I feel very fortunate to have known him and work with him. He will be missed and always in my heart.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Diane and Jeff Steinert

Sent Flowers

Terry and Carol Duke

July 15, 2021

Please accept our deepest condolences on Chris's passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Margie and Mike Sullivan

July 15, 2021

We are so, so very saddened to hear of Chris's passing. We just caught up after Mass on Sunday at St. Agatha. He and Inka shared pictures of Frankie and Austin's adorable little Harper. We learned of Alex and Shea's marriage and that all was well with Steve. Chris was truly a man for others. He coached our son Matt in football at St . Agatha. He exuded warmth and friendliness. We will truly miss him. Inka and the entire Galonka family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will reach out when we return to Columbus. We are all in Chicago this weekend for our niece's wedding. Otherwise, we would certainly be at the calling hours andy the funeral. Love and prayers, The Sullivan's.

The Otterson Family

Planted Trees

Kevin Layden

July 14, 2021

I met Chris on my first day at St. Ignatius. I immediately recognized him as a kind person of great character. My respect and admiration of Chris has grown through the years. I know many will miss him and I certainly will. May he test in peace.

Steve "Sammy" Samenuk

July 14, 2021

Just heard of Chris's passing. I am shocked and saddened by this. Chris was always a good guy.

Jim Donovan

July 14, 2021

My sincere condolences on Chris´s passing. He was an excellent underwriter and an even better person. I was fortunate to know him for the past 8 years as a business colleague and a true friend. He often spoke of his deep love and affection for his family. I will remember his laughter, sense of humor, friendship and warmth for the rest of my days. I will miss him more than I´m able to express.

Anthony Lee (Tony) Smith

Planted Trees

Patrick Hudec

July 14, 2021

So sorry to hear of Chris' passing. He was a good friend. We have so many good memories, including introducing me to my wife Leigh. Unfortunately, our paths have not crossed recently. He will be dearly missed. I will be unable to make the services. Inka, you and your children are in my prayers. May God bless you all!

Neil Santorella

July 14, 2021

I saw Chris as a dear friend and business partner. It was always profoundly clear that Chris cared deeply for his family and always treated everyone with respect and kindness.
I will miss Chris, although I know he is in a great place.
We all will meet again.......

Colleen

July 14, 2021

Chris welcomed everyone into the Golonka home as if they were part of the family. I'll remember him on the sidelines of our softball games, walking Frankie down the aisle at her wedding, joking with Inka, always petting one of his dogs, and mostly being a loving and caring father and husband.

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