Christopher Steven Prouty

Chris was born in Syracuse, New York, to parents Steven and Vicki Prouty, who raised him in Phoenix, New York. In his youth he was passionate about Tae Kwon Do, which escalated him to participate in the 1988 Junior Olympics, winning top medals and numerous trophies for his martial arts competitions.

While attending John C Birdlebough High School in Phoenix, New York, he experienced a car accident that was said would leave him unable to ever walk again. His high school English teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Wattles, wrote a letter to him that ignited his inner fight, and he prevailed. Chris periodically reread the letter for inspiration, and it is still saved in an album that contains numerous certificates of his accomplishments that would follow.

Chris has always been known as a people person. He knew no stranger, and would do anything for anyone. That personality and compassion for others led him into funeral service. In 1992, he graduated with honors from the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service with a degree in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences. For 31 years Chris was proud of the profession in which he served, and served well. Families from many years prior still reached out to him later, seeing him more as a friend than anything else.

Chris’ laugh was contagious. It could be heard from far away, and automatically brought a smile to those within hearing distance. He was the life of every party he attended, and was literally unforgettable. He often hid his generosity, kindness, compassion, and huge heart behind a burly and jokester persona. Those who he truly let in, felt his genuine self to their very core. He had a humble humility that always pushed to be better, always his own adversary. Chris was never satisfied at being stagnant and merely blending into a crowd... his day was truly made if he made someone laugh.

Chris' love for diving began in Cozumel, Mexico with his Open Water Diver certification, returning again for his Advanced Open Water Diver certification. He later went to Roatan, Honduras to obtain his PADI Rescue Diver certification, returning there yet again for his Master Diver certification. He was in his element on and in the water, immersing himself by everything around him. He captured many of his diving adventures with photos he took while in his own underwater world.

Chris made the most of every single moment in his personal life. Travels full of memories, boating, fishing, hunting, hikes, and music of any kind only scratched the surface of his adventures. He loved knowledge, a sponge at absorbing every book, article, news clipping, and pamphlet he read. His love of food was no secret, and he made sure no one in his company left without wishing they had worn elastic waistband pants. His love of life refused to be wasted. He often said, “I never know if I’ll make it to tomorrow, so I better get it done today.”

Chris was proceeded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Dorothy Prouty; grandparents, John and Eileen Corey; and his father, Steven Paul Prouty, Sr.

Chris is survived by his wife and true soulmate, Jennifer Prouty; son, Ian Prouty; step-children, Desiree Shelton and Nathan Shelton; mother, Vicki Corey Prouty; brothers, Steven Prouty and Joseph Prouty; and an abundance of several aunts and uncles, a niece, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

The family will be holding a visitation on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 5pm to 6pm at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home in Clearwater, Florida. The service will begin at 6pm, with a gathering and reception to follow.

For those who cannot attend services for Chris, there will be a livestream available online at: https://vimeo.com/user163466947

The video will not appear until right before the service starts.