Christian Discenza

Christian Michael Discenza, 47, lost his courageous battle to cancer on July 24, 2022. He peacefully passed away at home surrounded by love. The gates to heaven were opened by his loving grandmother Emma Ruffolo. Chris was born May 28, 1975 in Syracuse.   Surviving are his parents mother Judy Discenza Johnson, step father Jerry Johnson biological father Mike Featherstone (step mother Ellen) brother Jerry Johnson, sister Taylor Johnson fiancé Patrick Steves, his loving companion Ashley Cross. We all were so blessed, Ashley cared for Chris every step of the way of this horrible disease. Last but not least there was Bella his 4 legged companion who stayed by Chris’s side every moment. Chris loved his family as they all loved him, enjoying many aunts, uncles, cousins and of course many wonderful friends.

Chris was a graduate of Jamesville Dewitt High School, he was a warm, generous, kind hearted, charismatic young man. Chris loved spending time at the family camp on Cross Lake. There he enjoyed not only family and friends but boating, swimming, music and wonderful parties and get togethers both small and large. Family traditions and holiday get togethers were a definite priority. At home in Jamesville he and his step Dad Jerry started the holidays off with a traditional Bloody Mary. A yearly trip to Washington State to see his favorite band Alice In Chains. He was also a member of the Moose Club on Anna Marie Island in Florida. If truth be told we believe his absolute favorite thing to do was going to his best friend’s Jeff Cooke’s “After Hours Private Lounge”.

Chris enjoyed a few different work adventures when he was younger. Due to his step Dad Jerry and all his experience starting as a young man taking him under his wing Chris found his passion & purpose. Need to know anything about fish, ask Chris. For 20 + years he was the manager of Syracuse Aquarium, what an incredible team, the best in the business.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 27 from 4-7 pm at Burns-Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 E. Genesee St. Syracuse. Funeral Services will be Thursday July 28, 2022 at 10 am at the funeral home, followed by burial in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Jamesville.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Chris’s memory may be made to: Hospice of Central New York 990 7th N St, Liverpool, NY 13088 or Helping Hounds 7268 Caswell Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212