Ashton Christopher Hooper's Obituary
With heavy hearts yet full of love, we mourn the unexpected passing of Ashton Christopher “Chunky” Hooper, who at 19 months, left us too soon on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Ashton, born on August 13, 2022, in Pittsburgh, was the treasured son of Jessa McKown and Shawn Hooper, enveloped in love from his very first breath.
Ashton's vibrant personality, contagious laughter, and a smile that brightened every corner of our lives will be deeply missed. His adventures in mischief brought endless joy and laughter to our family. A budding athlete, his love for tossing his “ball-ball” hinted at a future Pittsburgh Steeler in the making. Above all, Ashton cherished moments with his family, especially his brothers and sister. His laughter and joy will remain a constant presence in our lives.
He leaves behind a loving family, who adored him beyond words; his devoted parents Jessa and Shawn; his siblings, Kingston, Maddox, Easton, Carson, Jealynne, and a new sibling he was excited to welcome. Ashton is also survived by his grandparents Kristin and John Balazentis, Lonnie and Janice McKown, Christine Meixner, and Mark and Susan Hooper. His aunts and uncles; Ryan McKown, Brendan (Rachel) McKown, Jacob Balazentis, Luke Balazentis, Mark Hooper Jr., Nicole Hooper, Jessica Hooper; great-grandparents Martha and Ken Beachy, Ronald McKown; cousins Aria McKown, Jahlaya Harris, and Junior Harris; and cherished family members Lori Maffeo, Dawn Cherepko, and Beckie Paulick, alongside a host of extended family and friends, will forever treasure him in their hearts.
Ashton was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert “Rock” Snowden, great-grandmother, Betty McKown and great-grandfather, Joseph Essey.
We invite loved ones to join us in celebrating Ashton’s life and the joy he brought into our world. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, with a service to honor his memory on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 1:00 pm, both at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Ashton’s memory to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Donations can be made at: Ways to Donate - Tribute Gift - UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation (givetochildrens.org)
To leave online condolences, please visit www.jeffersonmemorial.com. Ashton’s spirit and joy will remain a guiding light, eternally loved and never forgotten.
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