Christopher T. Jelleyman

Our dear Christopher Thomas Jelleyman, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 31, 2025. He was a cherished son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, who impacted the lives of many who knew him.

Christopher was born on July 6, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The youngest of three children, he was the only son of Doris Jelleyman (Lewis) of Rome, Georgia, and Christopher L. Jelleyman of Levittown, Pennsylvania. He was deeply loved by his family and held close the few genuine friends who truly knew his heart.

Christopher spent his life between Philadelphia and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Rome, Georgia. While living in Bucks County, he played baseball and junior varsity football and graduated from Bucks County Technical High School in 2011. During his time in Georgia, he worked in maintenance and built many friendships, earning the affectionate nickname “Philly.”

Christopher was known for his gentle spirit, loyalty, and kindness. Throughout his life, his compassion always shone through. He rescued a kitten in Georgia named Coco, who is thriving today, and later, in Philadelphia, he took in another cat named Bob (lovingly known as “Mr. Nubs”). In fact, Bob – Mr. Nubs – came to mean so much to Christopher that the two became inseparable. Even when he had nothing left to give, Christopher still found a way to pour himself into caring for and loving his little Mr. Nubs.

Christopher faced significant challenges in his life and fought battles that many never fully understood. Yet through it all, his love for his family never left him.

Christopher was predeceased by his beloved sister, Lauren L. Jelleyman. Her passing, just weeks before, weighed heavily on his heart. The two had always been more than simply brother and sister — they were truly the best of friends, and her loss was more than he could bear.

Christopher was blessed to have three strong men in his life who guided him as fathers and role models. He was predeceased by Elliott P. Berger of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is survived by Christopher L. Jelleyman of Levittown, Pennsylvania, and William Lewis of Rome, Georgia.

Christopher is also survived by his mother, Doris Jelleyman (Lewis) of Rome, Georgia; his sister, Kristin L. Jelleyman, and brother-in-law, Pete Sourovelis, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; his three nephews, M.S., J.S., and C.S., and his two nieces, V.S. and M.S., all of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.

He is also survived by his beloved cat, Bob (also known as Mr. Nubs), whom Christopher often referred to as his “fur son.”

In addition, Christopher is lovingly remembered by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whose lives were touched by his kind, caring, and gentle nature.

Private family services and cremation have taken place. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

A Bronx Tale was one of Christopher’s favorite movies, and he often quoted the line, “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices you make will shape your life forever.” For him, these words offered a glimpse into the future he hoped to build and the meaning he searched for along the way.

That Christopher’s life ended as the year was closing feels significant. It marks an ending—the release of what he carried for so long. After a hard-fought and difficult journey, his struggle has come to an end. Our sweet Christopher can finally rest.

The family has created a GiveSendGo in Christopher’s memory to help cover the funeral costs. Please click here for more information.