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Rev. Christopher S. "Chris" Goldinger

Rev. Christopher S. "Chris" Goldinger, of Kittanning, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 2, 2026

He was born on Oct. 7, 1963 in Kittanning, PA; the son of Donald and Patricia (Lloyd) Goldinger.

Chris was a lifelong resident of the Kittanning area. He graduated from the Auto Mechanics program at Lenape Vo-Tech in 1981 and went on to attend Val-Tech. He later completed studies through IPHC Theological Training. He worked as a truck mechanic for several employers before joining Progressive Workshop, where he served as direct support professional in the woodshop and later a van driver. Alongside his wife, Cheri, he pastored Shepherd of the Valley Church in Sharpsville where he enjoyed playing base guitar. He has a wonderful sense of humor and loved bringing joy to others, dressing as a clown and portraying Santa Claus for special needs individuals and children in his ministry. Chris had a passion for ministering to others, especially serving and feeding the homeless. He had a special heart for working with individuals with special needs and enjoyed taking them into the community to experience everyday life and activities.

Chris had a generous heart, was a devoted stepfather and grandfather, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He enjoyed panning for gold and cooking and baking for both his family and his church family. Chris also cherished his cats, Mrs. Kitty and Queenie, and recently traveled to Elk County Humane Society to adopt the newest edition, Muffin.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife Cheri Rose (Reed) Goldinger, whom he married on Oct. 12, 1997; his father, Donald Goldinger of Kittanning; his children, James Baker and significate other, Jennifer Longnecker of Greensburg, Thomas Baker and wife, Debbie of Anderson, SC, and Julie Tresco and fiancé, Michael of Lower Burrell; and his sister, Wendy Rybarik of Kittanning.

Chris is survived by his grandchildren, Dawn Lynn (John) Doty, Daniel Dentino, Derrick (Stephanie) Dentino, Caleb Dull, Jake Dull, Joshua Dull, Aaron Dull, Victoria Dull, Tyson Tresco, Maddox Tresco, Avery Baker, Jessica Winrick, Devon Winrick, Hannah (Spearman) Trado and Joel Dentino; and great-grandchildren, Aurora Dentino, Carmela Lee Dentino, Judah Dentino, and Tillman Trado.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Goldinger, who passed away in 2019; grandson, Darrell Dentino; and his brother-in-law, James Rybarik.

Friends and family will be received from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 515 N. McKean Street, Kittanning, PA.

Additional visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at the Bauer Funeral Home with Bishop Dale Adams and Rev. Randy McMillen co-officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris' name to the Progressive Workshop, 301 Oak Ave, Kittanning, PA 1620 or to Shepard of the Valley Homeless Foundation, 2717 Valley View Rd, Sharpsville, PA 16150.

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