Christopher James Allegretto

Allegretto, Christopher James
SCHENECTADY - Christopher James Allegretto, 52, of Schenectady, passed away unexpectedly, on November 6, 2025, at Ellis Hospital.
Born in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, on August 4, 1973, Chris was the beloved son of Neil Allegretto and the late Marilyn (Murphy) Allegretto.
Chris studied business at Xavier University, Cleveland State University, and The Ohio State University, before beginning a distinguished 25-year career in the mortgage industry. Most recently, he served as a Senior Mortgage Underwriter for M&T Bank. Over the years, he held leadership and management roles at Wells Fargo, Fifth Third, Navy Federal, and Finance of America, overseeing teams, departments, and operations divisions. His remarkable talent for mathematics and his natural ability to connect with people earned him deep respect from colleagues and friends alike. Those who worked with Chris often described him as a mentor and a friend, someone who led with integrity, humor, and heart.
Outside of work, Chris had a lifelong love of sports, especially college football. A devoted fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, he could often be found cheering them on each fall Saturday. He also followed the Cleveland Indians, Buffalo Bills, and San Antonio Spurs with great enthusiasm.
Chris was also an incredible cook, who took pride in perfecting family recipes and sharing them with loved ones. He loved barbequing and experimenting with his Big Green Egg smoker, often spending weekends outside perfecting ribs, brisket, or chicken. Among his many specialties, he had mastered his grandmother's homemade sauce, and his famous sausage and peppers, which were a favorite among family and friends.
His passion for good food and good company reflected who he was, loud, funny, generous, thoughtful, and fiercely protective of the people he loved. Chris was the kind of person who filled every room with energy and warmth. He had an unforgettable laugh, a big heart, and a gift for making people feel seen, supported, and loved. He was also a very loving dog dad to his two sweet rescue pups, Tybee and Banx, who brought him endless joy and companionship.
Chris is survived by his loving wife, Leslie; his father, Neil Allegretto; and his sister, Julie Riccio; and her husband, Dustin; along with their sons, Tomas and Massimo. He is also lovingly remembered by his extended family on Leslie's side. Her parents, Judie and John Ingemie and Myron and Wanda Horton; her brothers, Lee Horton (wife, Keri, and sons, Andrew and Christian) and Doug Horton (wife, Laura, and children, Kaitlyn, Luke, and Ethan); and her sister, Elizabeth Richey (husband, Tony, and children, Madeline and Phin).
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn (Murphy) Allegretto.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chris' memory to the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society, or Nisky Now.
To share a memory of Christopher or leave a message for his family, please visit Newcomeralbany.com