Zachary C. Duong, age 16, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2019, at Children’s Hospital in Boston surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.
Zachary was born on September 4, 2003, in Winchester; he is the cherished son of Cam and Sheila (Hoefer) Duong. Zachary was raised in Wilmington, he attended Wilmington Public Schools and was currently a student at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Billerica.
Zachary was a great kid who was outgoing and friendly towards everyone. He was extremely social, he loved talking to people and enjoyed hanging out with his friends. Zachary made everyone feel included and his smile lit up a room wherever he went.
At home his family was number #1 in his eyes; he was very close to his parents and brother. Zachary enjoyed hanging out and watching T.V. with his dad; Sponge Bob and Family Guy were two of his favorites and he looked forward to beating his older brother at video games. Zachary loved his family with all his heart and he was especially close to his Mom whom he adored.
Throughout his illness, Zachary, was a model patient at Children’s Hospital in Boston where he won over the hearts of his doctors and nurses throughout the years; they were all his extended family.
Zachary will be fondly remembered for his endearing personality, huge heart, his courage and strength and his ability to truly love those around him. He is a shining example of a beautiful person. Zachary will forever be loved and missed by all who knew him.
Besides his parents, Zachary is survived by his beloved brother of Max Duong of Wilmington, he was the dear grandson of Robert Hoefer, the late Mary Ellen Lochiatto, John Lochiatto, V. Phung, the late Canh Duong, loving nephew of Bobby Hoefer, Jr., Tom Ried Hoefer, Monica Duong and C. B. Duong. Zachary is also survived by his great-grandmother, his great, aunts, great uncles, cousins and friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours on Friday, November 8th from 3:30-7:30 p.m. at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington. A Celebration of Zachary’s will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Zachary’s memory may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301 or to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
I am deeply sorry for your family’s loss. Praying for strength for all of you to get through this.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such an amazing kid, and he fought a tough fight.
RIP, you are a true hero.
So sorry to hear of your dear Zachary’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him with Sheila at work – he was engaging, smiling and polite. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Cam, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I will be praying for you and your family for strength during this very hard time.
So very sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss, but Zachary will live forever in your hearts and mine. <3
Z man will be missed. May God hold you in his arms as you go through this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to your family, Zach was a gentle soul who will never be forgotten.
My heart break for Cam and his family. May your precious son rest in peace.
Zachary has touched our lives in so many ways and will forever be in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Zach’s life was and is a living testimony of his wonderful parents who have loved and sacrificed for him since the day he was born. To bring so much joy to so many in his short life is an amazing legacy for him and for your family. You are in my thought and prayers. God bless you.
It was such a privilege to be a member of Zachary’s clinical care team. Heartfelt condolences for the family. He will be dearly remembered.
My boys n I had the privilege of meeting Zach a couple summers ago. What a truly special soul Zach was!! Beautiful, kind & funny! We are deeply saddened by the loss of your remarkable son. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will remember him always.
Rest in peace, Zachary. My thoughts are with Zachary’s family, especially his mother, Sheila, whom I got to know as part of Zachary’s care team at Children’s Hospital & Dana-Farber. Sheila, you did such a wonderful job caring for Zachary.
God Bless you Zack you where such a great person on the floor you will truly be missed. Rest in beautiful Peace
Zachary was a special person and we truly will miss him at Boston Children’s Hospital. You all have been a stable here over his lifetime. We thank you for sharing him with us over the years and his smile always made our day.
Laura
Zach always made everyone feel welcomed, his smile brought joy to my days at the hospital and the moment I loved the most with him was when we shared with each other our Disney experiences. I will never forget how happy he was and how his eyes sparkled when he was telling me about his trip. <3 you will be missed Zach, and never forgotten !
Cam, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. It breaks my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest sympathies
Duncan and I loved visiting Zack at the hospital over the last few years. He was such a great kid with a huge personality
So sorry for our loss to all of mankind.
Cam I’m so sorry for your son’s lost. I will keep you in your family in my prayers.
Zach was an amazing friend i wish your family the best and i will pray for you.
Bobby & Family,
Very sorry for your loss of Zachary. Bob, you shared many stories over the years. I hope you and your family can find peace as you reflect on Zachary’s life.