Christopher Orona

Christopher Michael Orona, age 44, passed away unexpectedly on December 25, 2022.  Chris was born October 14, 1978, in Elkhart, Indiana to Ignacio and Virgina (Penna) Orona.   On September 25, 2010, he married the love of his life Leigh Calentine at Grace United Methodist Church in South Bend.  They recently celebrated their 12th anniversary.

Leigh survives, along with their daughter Anna Sophia Orona.  Surviving as well is his mother Virginia Orona of Elkhart and his siblings Josie (Jetton) Jordan, Ignacio Orona Jr. of Mishawaka and Leticia Leal of San Antonio, Texas. Surviving as well are his in-laws Dan Calentine of Niles, Michigan and Pat Calentine of South Bend, his niece Kylah Harvell of Elkhart, his nephews, Austyn Rasler of Albion and Phoenix Orona of Kalamazoo, MI, his great nephews Braxtyn and Kingztyn, his great niece Rilyee and his faithful dog, Lucy.  He was preceded in death by his father Ignacio Sr. and his dog “Tank.”

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm Monday, January 2, 2023, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Pastor Chris Glantz will officiate the 7:00pm funeral service immediately following visitation on Monday, January 2, 2023.

Chris was employed for over 14 years with Conn-Selmer in Elkhart where he was well respected as a leader.  In his spare time, he enjoyed working out and always wanted to stay strong. He would always say, “That’s what he was here for, to lift things.  Chris loved playing basketball with his daughter Sophia, enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and related a song to every important memory. He enjoyed playing golf. He never stopped learning and enjoyed watching documentaries to learn about history and how things work.

Chris was a big man with an even bigger heart for others. He will be remembered as a “gentle giant” who had a soft heart, easy going personality and a big smile and even bigger dimples that will never be forgotten.  He loved his family more than anything in the world. He loved traveling with his family and taking his daughter to new places. He also enjoyed his trips to Canada with just the guys. On February 21, 2013, they completed their trio with the one that took their breath away. Their daughter Anna Sophia. The three were never apart. His number one goal in life was to be the most amazing husband and father to his wife and daughter.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Chris’ life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall above.