Obituary of Nicholas LaTorraca

CHESHIRE - Nicholas H. LaTorraca, 15, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2010 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a heroic 14 month battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. Nicholas was born March 7th, 1995 in New Haven, CT. He was the son of Henry and Karen (Petrillo) LaTorraca. Besides his parents, Nicholas is survived by his Maternal Grandparents William and Beverly Petrillo of Cheshire; his Aunts and Uncles Ann and Pat Destito of Hamden as well as Linda and Gabor Kautzner of Hamden; his cousins Jeremy, Blair and Lauren Destito and Kesta and Stacia Kautzner. Nicholas is predeceased by his paternal grandparents Henry and Mary LaTorraca. He was a lifelong resident of Cheshire and was a graduate of St Bridget School and was currently a freshman at Cheshire High School. He was a beloved member of the St. Bridget School and Church community, where he frequently participated in community service projects. Nicholas was a member of the St. Bridget School Soccer and Basketball teams. He also enjoyed running road races, biking and playing video games with friends. He attended both Camp Rising Sun and The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. He enjoyed them both and they brought him great happiness. His friends from St Bridget's and Cheshire High School were of great comfort and companionship during his illness. The strength he showed during his battle was an inspiration to the entire community. Nicholas did not want any other child to suffer with cancer and it was very important to him to contribute to research for the specific type of cancer that he had. His family has created in his honor The Nicholas H. LaTorraca - Research for Rhabdo Fund. IN LIEU OF flowers donations can be sent to Apple Valley Bank 286 Maple Avenue, Cheshire CT 06410 c/o Lisa Godbout. Arrangements - Funeral services for Nicholas will be held on Tuesday April 20, 2010 9:15 from the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main Street to St. Bridget Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St Bridget Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.