A Mass of Christian Burial for Brian Douglas Chute, 57, of Newark, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 2 P.M., Saturday, March 7, 2026, with Fr. David Sizemore as celebrant. A Celebration of Life will follow at The Skylight, Newark, 4-8 P.M., Saturday.

Brian, a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, died at the Selma Markowitz Care Center, surrounded by the love of his family, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.  He was born in Zanesville, OH on February 5, 1969, to Diana (Wright) Chute of Newark, and the late Terry D. Chute.

A 1987 graduate of Newark High School, Brian attended The Ohio State University-Newark. He had a long career in the restaurant industry which included many years as the general manager of Brews. Currently, Brian was employed with AEP as a GIS specialist.

Brian met the love of his life, Brooke (Balding) Chute while he was the lead singer of Reptile Smile. She fell in love with his voice and his gentle heart. Together, their love blossomed, making them forever soulmates and best friends for life. They doted on the family they created, making countless memories snowboarding, visiting the beach and many festivals together. His passion for cooking brought him joy as he saw his family and friends enjoying his food.

As a father, Brian was an inspiring and supportive role model for his children, encouraging them with love, understanding, and of course, humor. Ultimately, he wanted them to pursue their passions in life. He took great joy introducing them to the music classics of the past, the 90's culture scene, and encouraged them to seek new artists. He was a bonsai artist and also instilled in them an appreciation for nature, taking them fishing anywhere he could drop a line. Brian also enjoyed hunting but would later admit it was witnessing nature's beauty in the early morning light that he cherished most.

Brian will be deeply missed by his wife, Brooke; their children, Quinton and Marlee; his mother, Diana; his older sister with whom he shared a lifelong bond, Julie Chute; mother-in-law, Joyce (Dave) Zinsmeister; his brother-in-law, Treg (Mary) Balding; and every one of Brian's friends who respected and loved him, knowing he always had their back as friends, but often was thought of as a brother for life.

In addition to his father, Brian was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Tamra Balding.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Brian's deep charitable spirit, the family requests memorials in Brian's name be made to: Cade and Katelyn Fund, (OSU Research for Spinal Muscular Atrophy), 2741 Licking Valley Rd NE, Newark, Ohio 43055; or Donate Life America, 5516 Falmouth Street, Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23230.

To share your memory of Brian or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.