Urbanski Funeral Home

Obituaries - In Loving Memory

Christopher J. Slawinski
January/3/1960 - June/26/2023

Christopher Slawinski, age 63 of Annandale Virginia, joined the “Staff of the Supreme Commander” early Monday morning, June 26, 2023, while surrounded by family at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center located in Bethesda, MD. Christopher was born January 3, 1960, in Toledo, Ohio to Edward and Genevieve (Dolkan) Slawinski. He was a 1978 graduate of Woodward High School and a 1987 graduate of the University of Toledo. After graduating from Woodward, he began 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy, 4 years of active duty and 16 years with the U.S. Naval Reserve, deploying during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His military recognition includes the National Defense Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service (4 awards), and the Armed Forces Reserve medal.

Chris had a 20-year broadcasting career in Toledo, Ohio with WTOL-TV and WNWO-TV and was awarded two Regional Emmy Awards.

In 2004, Chris started as the National Service Director of the Fleet Reserve Association and was the Association’s primary voice between members and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this role he lobbied Congress for better benefits for veterans and active-duty military members.

Chris had been a fixture at FRA Headquarters for over 19 years, and in 2019 he was elected by FRA’s membership to be the organization’s National Executive Director with responsibility for 21 headquarters’ employees. In 2022 he was reelected to the same position.

Chris served as a Vice President of The Military Coalition (TMC) group and was Co-Chairman of the TMC Veterans Subcommittee. He also served as the Treasurer and Board Member of the VAVS James H. Parke Memorial Scholarship Fund. Chris was also a member of the FRA Navy Department Branch 181 where he held various leadership positions. Chris helped establish FRA Veterans’ Service Foundation, a 501c3 dedicated to giving a helping-hand to veterans in need.

Chris put up a gallant fight against a tough opponent until the very end. He will be remembered as a very funny, loving father and a passionate veterans’ advocate with a huge caring heart.

Surviving are his loving daughter Victoria “Tori” Slawinski, brothers, Anthony (Patricia) Slawinski, Joseph (Peggy) Slawinski, sisters, Maria McDaniel, Melanie (John) Wenzel and Michelle (Steven) Rogers. Also surviving are many nephews, nieces and a cadre of friends throughout the United States.

Memorial Services
Christopher’s Life Celebration will be Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 2 pm until 8 pm at Urbanski Funeral Home a Life Celebration Home 5055 Secor Rd., Toledo, Ohio, where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue Thursday, July 6, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in St. Adalbert Catholic Church, 3233 Lagrange St. Toledo, Ohio where the Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery Toledo, Ohio.

Our Locations

2907 Lagrange Steet
Toledo, OH 43608
(419) 244-4611

5055 Secor Rd
Toledo, OH 43623
(419) 475-5055

CONTACTS
Email: info@urbanskifuneralhome.com
Phone Lagrange Location:
(419) 244-4611
Phone Secor location:
(419) 475-5055

LINKS