Christopher Anthony Saniga

Christopher "Chris" Anthony Stephen Saniga, 36, passed away on May 20, 2026 after a very brief illness. He was surrounded by his family and closest friends as he left this earthly plane to be reunited with his dad in heaven.

Chris was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, and was a lively and rambunctious little boy (read Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes) who matured into a gentle soul. His greatest loves were his family and friends, his golden retrievers through the years, and his music.

He graduated from Wadsworth High School in 2008 and went on to the University of Akron, where he studied mechanical engineering, worked in the Department of Education and for several years as a sound technician for university sporting events. He later worked for NBC Universal, editing news from local affiliates around the country/around the clock for their Peacock app. Most recently, he edited sound and video tracks for Peloton Studios and was excited to begin a new phase in June.

Chris excelled at everything he ever tried. Whatever he loved-be it a favorite TV show or Lego creation-he shared as a gift to others.

Chris was committed to his people, especially his dad, who was his best friend and whom he missed very deeply. He held an unwavering love for his mother and loved his sisters fiercely.

Chris was an animated storyteller whose creative board-book renditions captured the fascination of his two young nephews, whom he cherished.

His life's greatest passion was creating instrumental progressive metal music with his musical brothers Danny Cullman and Chris Vogagis, for almost 20 years, under the name Wide Eyes. His unique, intricate sense of rhythm and signature sense of groove sparked countless ideas, countless hours of music across the Wide Eyes discography, now forever etched in stone. The bonds formed in Wide Eyes continue to transcend the bounds of standard camaraderie and are a true brotherhood that will continue on for eternity.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Ray Saniga, and his beloved grandparents George & Pat Janis and Anthony & Katherine Saniga. He is survived by his mother Stephanie Saniga; sisters Caitlin (Joel) Hawksley and Holly (fiancé Tavo Ruiz) Saniga; nephews Jack and Calvin Hawksley; aunt Kay Saniga; precious golden retriever Bailey; and many, many loved ones and friends.

His family wishes to thank and commend the nurses and doctors at Summa Hospital and Cleveland Clinic for their extraordinary efforts to try to help Chris. Your love and compassion were felt by everyone.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Anthony Funeral Home of Green, 4178 Massillon Road in Green from 5-7PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 29 at 11AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 260 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10AM. Private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery.