Daniel Zeno loved playing basketball with his friends in his Woodbridge neighbourhood.
“Mom/Dad, going to Al Pal’s,” was such a familiar refrain heard by the 16-year-old’s parents, Nadia and Angelo, that they included their son’s treks to the Al Palladini Community Centre in his obituary.
Daniel, who is remembered for his “infectious humour, kind nature, and gentle soul that touched all those that he knew”, succumbed to life-threatening injuries on Jan. 2 that he sustained as a passenger in a Jan. 1 single-vehicle collision on King Vaughan Road with four of his friends.
The heartbreaking tragedy of losing a child has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the community, saying Daniel was “a friend to many who will be greatly missed by his school community”.
“Our hearts are broken....our sincere condolences to you all. We've watched Daniel grow into a fine young man and we will forever have fond memories. We wish you love and comfort,” wrote the Malizia family Jan. 4 on the Ward Funeral Homes memory wall.
“We all loved Daniel with all our hearts,” wrote Aiysha Din. “He was an amazing son, friend, classmate and coworker to many. I want to thank you for raising an angel who never failed to put a smile on our faces and make us proud. He will forever be in our hearts. May he rest in peace.”
“My favourite memory of Daniel and I is when my mom drove us to Centennial Park,” wrote friend Isabella. “We raced against each other go-karting and he overlapped me an embarrassing amount of times. After, we went to the batting cages and took a few shots... we then decided to walk up this huge hill that overlooked the whole city. We sat on a rock up there and talked and it was honestly so beautiful and I am so happy I shared that with my best friend.”
The GoFundMe Daniel Zeno Funeral campaign, organized by Sandra Macaro, has so far raised $8,558 of its $50,000 goal to help the family pay for funeral expenses.
The fundraising team wrote on behalf of the Zeno family: “Daniel was a beloved son, brother and friend whose life was taken too soon. His kind nature and gentle soul touched all that he knew. His humour was infectious and his presence was embraced. We are raising money to help with the funeral expenses. We would truly appreciate any donation big or small. Thank you for all of your support and prayers.”
Daniel was out with friends on New Year’s Day evening, and planned to have coffee at a local Tim Hortons and drive around, his mother, Nadia said, told Global News. When she didn’t receive a reply text to her multiple messages about the time of Daniel’s midnight curfew, she said she knew something was wrong.
“It’s devastating not to have him here,” Nadia said.
His obituary states: Daniel passed Wednesday, Jan. 2 at the age of 16. He is the loving son of Angelo and Nadia and admired big brother to David and Eric. He will be greatly missed by grandparents Grace, Ferdinando and Santina, aunts and uncles Apostolo (Sue), Antonia (Anthony) and Domenic (Daniela), and cousins Michael, Jessica, Julia, Peter, Marcus, Matthew and Massimo. He will be fondly remembered by his many family and friends. Daniel has been reunited with his cherished Nonno Mike.
Family and friends will be received at Ward Funeral Homes, 4671 Hwy. 7 (west of Pine Valley Drive), Woodbridge, on Sunday, Jan. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., as well as on Monday, Jan. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Church, 5500 Major Mackenzie Dr., Kleinburg. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 7300 Hwy. 27, Woodbridge.