Loving, friendly, kindhearted, silly, animal lover
Born with a unique look, including medium brown hair with blonde highlights, beautiful hazel eyes, and long lashes, Zarek was kind, empathetic, and loving from the start. Putting the needs of others before his own, he had a special gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. The “life of the party,” his infectious laughter and warm hugs, brought light to the darkest room.
Zarek’s passion for helping others was evident in everything he did. His mother once witnessed him giving an unhoused individual who was cold his shoes and jacket, (along with a hug). He gave his hair to Locks of Love and Wigs for Kids. He donated to animal shelters, volunteered to pass out food, and donated clothes and toys to local organizations. “Zarek would help random people with chores or tasks that they needed help with,” his mother, Martha, stated. “He always asked us if we needed anything done around the house.”
An avid animal lover and cuddler, he also had a talent for martial arts and for teaching younger kids. His creative side shone through in his love of drawing, breakdancing, and making bracelets. He was passionate about holistic healing and alternative medicine and wanted to help heal everyone he met. He always offered a listening ear, an open heart, support, and often, a hug to those he encountered.
His mother recalls a family vacation to Florida and Tennessee just six months before Zarek passed. On that trip, he learned how to drive a jet ski and spent the entire time in the lake, pool, and at the beach. He said it was the best family vacation he had ever had and even thought about moving to Tennessee after that visit.
Zarek’s first word was Zyla, his sister’s name, whom he loved with all his heart. They planned a future where they would always be together until their last breath. Unfortunately, Zarek passed away at 16, before he could graduate from high school or realize his dreams of working in the medical field, marrying, and starting a family. After he passed, friends and teachers shared stories of his loving nature, how he helped them in sobriety, or encouraged them to stay off drugs.
Zarek’s disease changed him. It worsened some mental health disorders he had and caused manic attacks and bouts of rage. “He would turn into a completely different person,” his mother stated. The family supported Zarek through his addiction and mental health struggles, while trying to keep their family firmly together in these very rough patches. Zarek’s parents, Joe, and Martha, have joined a group to bring awareness to the disease of addiction. They advocate for those with mental health and substance use disorders, and distribute opioid reversal drugs. His mom misses his hugs, laughter and “his big beautiful golden heart.” “He was a brightly lit soul,” his dad said.
Zarek’s mother, Martha Ledezma, provided the information for this narrative.
June 13, 2007-December 16, 2023-Age 16
Portrait Artist: Elizabeth Jones
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
