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Robert Christopher Duckworth
Robert Christopher Duckworth
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After playing baseball at Canal Winchester High School (Class of 1981), Chris continued his passion for the sport at the University of South Florida and later at Ohio University. While at OU, Chris was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he formed lifelong friendships with his brothers. His love for baseball remained with him throughout his life, not only as a player, but also as a coach, umpire, card collector, and fan.
Chris built a successful career in financial planning, ultimately founding his own firm, Columbus Financial Partners. His integrity, loyalty and unmatched care for others were evident in every relationship, whether personal or professional.
On July 4, 1992, Chris married his best friend, Susie Vittel. Together they shared 34 years of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories with their three children. A devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, Chris found his greatest joy in time spent with his extended family. He and Susie made their home in Plain City, Ohio, where Chris was deeply involved in the community through both the Plain City Area Ball Association and the Saint Joseph Catholic Church Knights of Columbus. His life was a testament to his core values- generosity, service to others, and kindness.
Chris is preceded in death by his father, Robert Thomas Duckworth, mother-in-law, Betty Jane Stricharczuk, and father-in-law, Robert John Vittel.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susie Duckworth; his children, Melanie (Troy) Niesley, Robert Callahan (Bridget) Duckworth, and Johnathan Duckworth; his treasured grandsons, Nash and Jameson Niesley; his mother, Mary Lou Duckworth; brothers, Brian (Sue) Duckworth, Shawn Duckworth, Dennis Duckworth, and Edward (Michelle) Duckworth; sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Kathy and Rich Abraham, Karen and Dan Whiting, Bobby Vittel, and Karolyn and Matt Squire; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will carry his memory forward.
Chris' life was a true blessing to all who knew him. May his compassion, loyalty and willingness to lend a helping hand live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
A Celebration of Life is planned for the fall and will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Plain City Area Ball Association or the Saint Joseph Catholic Church Knights of Columbus.
4 Entries
Lincoln Frazier
October 1, 2025
Chris was one of my closest friends at OU and a fraternity brother. To say I have great memories would be an understatement. As the years passed we drifted apart and I regret that. I talked to him two weeks before he passed and was looking forward to seeing him. Wish I hadn´t waited. Old friend, I am glad you are no longer in pain. I´ll see you on the other side. Miss you.
Al Saibini, Nevada Alpha '76
September 12, 2025
In coelo quies est.
Ty Swain
September 12, 2025
Christopher Duckworth for me was a lifelong friend, as we both the wonderful memories and friendship during our stay at Ohio university as brothers in the bond, we continued to be friends both personally and professionally over the next 40 years. I found Chris commonly known as "Ducky" to be both a highly professional, highly skilled expert in financial planning, and the Insurance industry growing his own business, that same drive allowed him to fulfill many goals he had in his career as well as in his personal lifeHis lovely wife, Susie, made both of them a very wonderful pair to be around
It is with great sadness that I learned of the loss of my friend, he will not only be missed by me but by so many other friends and acquaintances he´s made over the years. Chris was not only very professional, he was also very funny and welcomed to the opportunity to spar back-and-forth over ideas and fondly bringing up past memories that were fond and fun.
On behalf of our fraternity and brothers from Ohio University, Chris´s memory will live long as will the memories that we all shared together. Now, my friend, you can rest and we will keep you in our hearts, our memories and always think the best of a wonderful friend. You will be truly missed.
Ty Swain 1651
Bertolino
September 11, 2025
So sorry to hear of Chris's passing. Remember him when he was very young. He and our oldest daughter played together. They were 1 month apart in age. Our deepest sympathy to his family. John & Sandy Bertolino
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