The family is devastated as they try to navigate this unimaginable loss.

Chris was a loving husband, father, family member, and friend who meant so much to so many people. His passing has left an emptiness that words cannot fully express.

During this incredibly difficult time, a GoFundMe has been created to help Christopers family with immediate financial needs and unexpected expenses as we work through the days ahead.

Any support, whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing this page, means more to us than we can ever say.

Thank you for the love, kindness, and support surrounding Christophers family during this heartbreaking time.

Christopher Paul Sosnicki, 49, of Toms River, N.J., passed away on May 4th, 2026. He was born in Edison, New Jersey to his proud and loving parents Kenneth P. Sosnicki & Barbara Sosnicki. Raised in Brick, New Jersey, he developed a lifelong passion for soccer at an early age, playing both club and high school soccer. One of his greatest gifts was passing his love for the game to his children.

Watching and coaching them from the sidelines brought him even more joy than lacing up a pair of cleats himself. Besides soccer, Chris was a loyal fan of the New York Rangers and enjoyed watching games on TV or attending games at Madison Square Garden with family and friends. One of his favorite hobbies and true callings was saltwater fishing. Whether Canyon fishing for tuna offshore or surf fishing for striped bass along the beach, he loved every moment spent on the water.

Chris began his career during his late teen years, working alongside his father in the family construction business. Over time, he developed hands on expertise across all phases of construction and built a strong sense of pride in every project he contributed to.

He worked closely with both his father and brother, strengthening the family’s business through dedication, skill and a commitment to quality craftmanship. Chris later furthered his education and earned the credentials of a New Jersey licensed building inspector, which led to his employment with Waretown, New Jersey, where he served as a building inspector.

Chris met his soulmate during his high school years. He would later ask for her hand in marriage, and together they began the journey of building a life and family of their own. On October 5th 2002, Christopher Sosnicki exchanged vows with Deirdre Fitzgerald in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

Chris and Deirdre were blessed with three incredible children. Their eldest, Katherine, is a 2026 graduate of James Madison University. Samantha, is currently a sophomore at The College of New Jersey, where she also plays collegiate soccer for the TCNJ Lady Lions. Their youngest, Owen, is graduating 8th grade and will attend Toms River East High School in the Fall. Chris took immense pride in all of his children’s accomplishments and goals, and nothing brought him greater joy than supporting them in their pursuits and watching them grow into the people they are becoming.

Chris will be missed by all family members and friends but never forgotten. His love for life and unwavering dedication to his family, and kindhearted spirit left a lasting impact on everyone that knew him. He will forever be remembered for the joy he brought to others, the memories he created, and the love he shared so freely.

He is survived by his beloved wife Deirdre, daughters Katherine & Samantha and his son Owen, parents, Kenneth P. Sosnicki & Barbara Sosnicki, brother Kenneth, brother Matthew & sister-in- law Elizabeth, niece Scarlett and nephew Kaleb, brother-in-law Sean Fitzgerald, nephew Cole, and niece Claire, including his daughter Katherine’s significant other, Clay Yannazzone, and many uncles, aunts, cousins and other extended family members.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday on May 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the D’Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Chris’s honor to: Friends of Island Beach State Park info@friendsofislandbeach.org friendsofibsp.org/donate/

Toms River Obituaries – TomsRiver.org