Christopher Eric Straub

Christopher Eric Straub, 53, of Maytown, PA, passed away on December 8, 2024 following a long struggle with mental illness. Chris was born on December 14, 1970 to Chuck and Gail Straub in Haddonfield, NJ. The family moved to Central PA in 1976 where he had fond memories growing up with his younger sister, enjoying the outdoors with neighborhood friends in New Cumberland. Chris became a stand-out cross country and track athlete at Red Land HS and graduated in 1989. He continued his running career at James Madison University and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1993. He subsequently completed a master’s program in Sport Studies at Miami University of Ohio in 1995. Chris met his wife, Traci MacGowan Straub, at JMU. They lived in Ohio and North Carolina before relocating to Central PA. Chris’ career passion was coaching. He spent more than 15 years coaching and directing successful men’s and women’s collegiate cross country and track & field programs. After leaving this field, Chris was employed by Philhaven, Recovery InSight, Inc, and Giant Foods. Chris and Traci celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year, and Chris’ greatest sense of pride came from raising his two daughters, Seneca and Milligan, within the Donegal School District Community. In addition to his wife and daughters, Chris is survived by loving family including his parents, Chuck and Gail Straub of Duck, NC, his sister, Tracy Straub Joslin (Brian) of Middlebury, Vermont, and his aunt Carole Scherrer Palma (Richard) of Norfolk, VA. Chris was also grateful for the love and support of his mother-in-law, Lana MacGowan, and brother-in-law Scott MacGowan (Kathy). Chris was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Charles and Nancy Straub and maternal grandparents Carl and Hope Scherrer. Chris will be remembered by many for the deep ways in which he touched their lives. For anyone wishing to honor Chris’ memory and help support other individuals with mental health struggles, please consider donating online to: NAMI Central PA (namicentralpa.org/get-involved/donate), Mental Health America of Lancaster County (mhalancaster.org), or other organization of your choosing. A memorial service honoring Chris’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 47 West Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552 on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Family and friends will be received at the Sheetz Funeral Home, 16 East Main Street on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 3 PM to 4:30 PM and again after the service at the church.

Tributes

Christopher Eric Straub

December 14, 1970 - December 8, 2024