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June 4, 1976-February 7, 2023
Christopher Medina Carranza passed away at home with his family near him on February 7, 2023 after ashort, but hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born June 4, 1976 on a military base in Stuttgart, Germany, Chris was the final addition to a “team” of brothers, making him the 7th man! Anyone who had the chance to know Chris, his team (in whatever context) was so important to him. He learned at an early age that a great team equals more than the sum of its parts. This mentality served as the catalyst of a life centered around building strong teams and relationships. In 2001, after meeting at a mutual friend’s house in Long Beach, CA, it was clear to both of them that their friendship would take them on an amazing adventure. So Chris officially “teamed up” with Debbie Severson on February 24, 2006. There was never a doubt that Chris and Debbie were the best of friends and enjoyed celebrating the life that they had created. Adding Cameron and Abigail to the Carranza Clan made their team complete and the adventures shared together were that much more exciting. As the kids grew to love sports, Chris became known to his community as “Coach” (Coach Chris, Coach Carranza, or just Carranza). Coach Carranza found so much joy and satisfaction in leading kids to learn about themselves, their teammates, building their confidence, and teaching them about life...it wasn’t about winning the game, it was about winning in life. He led by example, serving on boards, advocating for young athletes, and raising money for organizations that help cancer patients. Chris’ friends were countless. If you were a friend of Carranza, you knew there would be someone in your corner. We all benefited from Chris’ friendship, competitiveness, compassion, commitment, bravery, sense of humor, and love. Even through his love for gaming, he built long-standing friendships. He lived life BIG....and many of us got to be along for the ride. We won as he shared his passion for life! Chris will be deeply missed in our earthly world, but his legacy will live on through all who knew him. To that end, his family has set up the Christopher Carranza Legend Fund. Money donated to the fund will help young athletes and organizations who need additional financial support to help youth in their community. Chris is survived by his wife Debbie; son Cameron; daughter Abigail; mother “Cookie;” brothers Patrick, Mark, Mike, Joe, Eugene, and Lee Roy; and a large group of aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws who hold Chris’ spirit near to their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Christopher Carranza Legend Fund
http://www.christophercarranzalegend.org/
To offer support for Cameron and Abby, please use the GoFundMe link.
https://gofund.me/8c1bbd05
