Chad Allen Hollycross, 60, of Westerville passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Sunday, March 29, 2026. He was born in Newark, Ohio on March 2, 1966, to the late Jerry G. Holycross and Rosemarie “Susie” (Spada) Holycross Sherrard.

A 1984 graduate of Lakewood High School and OSU attendee, Chad started his business career at a young age after convincing his father to allow him take on a paper route, delivering The Newark Advocate and eventually The Columbus Dispatch, in his neighborhood of Harbor Hills, a job he thoroughly loved. Following school, Chad continued in customer service as the assistant manager of H.L. Art Jewelers, Southgate before joining the Subway Franchise, managing several regions. Chad also worked with B.P./ Englefield Oil and recently retired from Allied Universal where he served as the client manager.

Chad was a man of great faith and leaned heavily on God. He was dedicated to helping others with addiction recovery and spent many years of his adult life ministering to those in need, volunteering as a speaker with the Talbot Health Services, Delaware County Jail, Belmont Correctional Facility, just to name a few. He created a family within these programs and was passionate about making a positive change in the lives of others.

Known affectionately as “Chaddy Allen” by his mother, others would probably refer to his as “Chatty Allen”, always ready with a story to share. He embodied a vibrant personality and enjoyed being in a crowd with the goal to bring laughter and joy to those around him. He loved to entertain others, almost as much as he loved Elvis.

Chad will be dearly missed by his wife, Erika (Edgar) Holycross; children, Jerry James Holycross, Jamie (Jonah) Carey, Heggie Carey, and Bryce Rentzel-Holycross; siblings, Terry J. “T.J.” Holycross, Kelley (James) Henry, and Bridget M. (Chris) Nudi; several dear nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion, Sadie.

A Celebration of Life honoring Chad’s life will be held in the sanctuary at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High Street, Worthington, 5:45 P.M., Friday, April 17, 2026. Immediately following, all are invited to gather in the parish hall and continue to celebrate Chad’s legacy. The family is encouraging all in attendance to wear something colorful to represent the brightness that Chad shared with many.

The family requests memorials in Chad’s name be made to renal cancer research at OSUCCC, James Development Office, c/o The Ohio State University Foundation, 14 E. 15th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201.

Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, is assisting the family with arrangements. To share your memory of Chad or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com