Christopher Ralph Slezak

Christopher Ralph Slezak was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 26, 1972.  Upon graduating from Bishop Gallagher High School in 1990, Chris attended Macomb Community College earning his Fire Science Degree and completing the Fire Academy.  He went on to serve briefly with the Taylor FD and Hamtramck FD before finding a home with the Sterling Heights Fire Department in 1998, where he worked until his medical retirement in 2018.

Chris loved being a firefighter, as well as a paramedic/EMT as he enjoyed taking care of others, and cherished the comradery and brotherhood he was so proud to be a part of.   He was known for his incredible strength, focus, and wit and his presence was felt everywhere he went, being someone you could always count on, the big ‘teddy bear’ with the huge heart.

In 2009 Chris was diagnosed with leukemia, most likely caused from his years fighting fires. Although he wasn’t grandfathered in, he spoke in front of House committees and fought to have the Fire Prevention Bill passed, which now grants workman’s comp benefits to other firefighters who are diagnosed with specific cancers likely caused from firefighting. 

Chris’ legacy lies in his determination to live and be a father to his kids, especially in their formative years.  He built an incredible bond with them and while at first he took care of them, they eventually found taking care of him, and helping him, their greatest joy.  They, along with an army of angels who supported Chris and his family every inch of the way, were inspired by Chris and his will to live, his faith, and his devotion to his family.  Chris also built friendships with his A-team of doctors who were awed and inspired by him, and by his army, who went to great lengths to help him to overcome incredible odds, time and time again.  Chris never gave up.

Chris married the love of his life, his ‘whole lotta woman’, “D” and they never looked back. They fought together to steal back time in their life, and cherished the moments they had, even though they became quite different from what they had dreamed.  Chris was proud of being a firefighter-he defined himself as one, but he found the greatest pride and joy in being a dad to his 3 kids, Joey, Sami, and Zack.

Chris is survived by this family he cherished and fought so hard to live for.  His wife of 24 years, Deanna (Jucewicz), his 3 incredible children-Joseph, Samantha and Zachary, dog Nala, his devoted father Ralph Slezak, mother Jacqueline (deceased), loving brother Daniel and sister-in-law, Paige.   He was a beloved son-in-law to Mike and Maria Jucewicz, cherished brother-in-law to Lisa and Todd Trevisan and David Jucewicz, and was a favorite uncle to Tori, Jackie, Tyler, Quinn and Piper and was adored by many aunts, uncles, cousins as well as close friends, including his firefighter family, who will miss him dearly.

Chris was ‘the strongest man’ everyone knew, a big teddy bear, a warrior who fought cancer and the after-effects for over 11 years.  More than that, he was a devoted family man who loved the simple moments that were so special to him:  Eating as a family around the dinner table, watching Tiger baseball, or his kids, playing sports, talking music with his Punkin Pie, getting driven around town by his boys who literally carried him when he needed them, talking to ‘THE Boys’ and going to his favorite place on earth, Houghton Lake.

Chris passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020 in New Baltimore, MI surrounded by the people he loved most, and who adored and loved him.  To say he will be missed is an understatement, but those who knew him are so incredibly thankful for the time they spent with Chris.  He will live in our hearts forever.

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