Zachary Vivanco

Zachary Thomas Vivanco, a cherished son, brother and dear friend, left us too soon on June 5, 2025, at the age of 22.

On a Friday evening, the 27th of September, 2002, Zachary Thomas Vivanco entered the world naturally without meds.

The nurse was the same one that had been present for Isaac and Christina. She helped his mom through her first natural birth and even presented the scissors that had been used to cut the umbilical cord to his dad. He was the 3rd born to Jose and Regina. His brother was 27 months older, and his sister was 11 and 1/2 months older. Yes, if you are counting that is 3 kids in just over 2 years. As an infant he holds the record for being the one who nursed the longest. Maybe that’s why his next brother was 28 months younger than him.

Also, as an infant he traveled with his mom on a whirlwind 24 hour trip to New York City. His uncle suggested his mom join the trip when they one of the guys dropped out and she had never been to New York. They experienced “Ground Zero” and saw the beams in the shape of a cross, Mass was said by his uncle in one of the private chapels below the main altar in St Patrick’s Cathedral, and got a hot dog from a street vendor. Later they experienced a Monday night football game, Giants (his uncle’s favorite team) vs the Cowboys. Then flew home again on a 5 am flight.

As a child he was all about justice and fairness but hated confrontation so when things were not right at school, he would go under a table or desk, or run into the woods. He would just say, “it’s not fair!”

He took part in a couple plays at school, playing the parts of Aladdin in a song, but his biggest role was Schroeder in Charlie Brown where he danced with Sally, played by Chris, his sister. They had choreographed their number at home.

He was always very mechanically inclined and could fix anything. When fidget spinners were the rage instead of buying a bunch of them, Zach made his own from ball bearings taken out of old roller skates and rubber banding them together. Also, when rubber band bracelets were going around he figured out how to make characters and other items besides just bracelets. His favorite creation was a rubber band minion he made with no instructions just off the top of his head.

In school he struggled learning to read. While visiting over 150 relics at St Monica’s, he touched his scapular to many of them and I silently prayed for help. When he overcame that obstacle nothing was holding him back. “Guns for General Washington” was a book he held up to his mom and said, “I’m gonna read this one, all by myself.”

At the age of 9, he was put into u10 Rec soccer to just try because he really didn’t want to play. Halfway through the year we moved him to the Academy where he played for Chris Kane. It was the 6th team, but he steadily moved his way up to the top team with Luke Collins. He picked up a love for juggling the soccer ball and all the tricks he could master. His touch was incredible! He ended up playing with his brother Isaac on his dad’s team and then played for Kevin Florea in his final years at UFA. He also really enjoyed playing soccer for St John Bosco Academy with his brother Isaac and helping them win a State Championship.

His older brother, Alex introduced Zach to the performance art of poi and that is all he needed. He would watch YouTube videos and learn all the tricks and moves and then relentlessly practice them. He not only did regular poi with balls on the end, but light-up poi, and fire poi. He was completely mesmerizing to watch. Truly a master at the art.

Another way he used YouTube was to learn how to sew, create, embroider…etc. His mind was constantly flowing with ideas for pieces he could make from blankets and quilts. He had a fashion sense and always wanted to “fit” out his siblings. His siblings would get his “fit check” approval on many of their outfit choices. He had an eye for style and knew what he liked. He even came up with a brand name, Burning Brain, for his designs.

He was loved by the residents at The Villas where he served them at meal time. He worked in the apparel section at Walmart, drove for Amazon, and received donations at Goodwill. Throughout all these jobs he never stopped his desire for his clothing brand.

He loved Hibachi, Chipotle, & his moms BBQ wings. He loved chatting with Anna Jo, working out with Josiah, & thrifting with Gianna. Hanging with his boys, Daniel, Elijah, & Nathan made for wild, exciting times, especially that one party when mom and dad were out of town. He had a special bond with his sister, Chris, spending many nights on her couch talking after long walks. He admired his brother Isaac for all his accomplishments. He thoroughly enjoyed being an uncle & loved hanging at Abbey & Ethan’s house with their kids. He looked forward to hanging out with Alex when he was in town.

He appreciated how hard his parents worked to not only support the family but in getting him the help he needed. He knows his dad turned over every stone searching for answers to the symptoms Zach was feeling.

He was thankful for those who supported him on this life journey including, Hannah, Melissa, Maggie, Mrs. Givens, & The Arendale Family.

He is survived by his parents, Jose & Regina, his siblings Alex, Abbey (Ethan), Isaac (Becca), Chris, Daniel, Elijah, Nathan, Gianna, Josiah, Anna Jo, & AJ. His nephews & niece, Asher, Oaklee, Rivers, Matthew, Tobias, & Milo. His Abuelo, Jose Vivanco, Sr., his maternal grandma, Mary Peek & great aunt, Sr. Denise Roche. Also 9 Aunts, 10 Uncles, & 42 first cousins. We thank everyone for their love and prayers! Please don’t stop praying until Zach appears to you and says, “I’m in Heaven!”

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 9:00am EDT, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church located at 991 Kilough Church Road, Dawsonville, Georgia, 30534. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am EDT. The graveside service will follow at Honey Creek Woodlands, in Conyers, Georgia.

In honor of Zachary, let's continue to spread love, kindness, and joy as he did. We encourage you to leave memories and upload photos on Zachary's memorial page to celebrate his life, his spirit, and the love he brought into our lives. Zachary's legacy will forever live on in our hearts and our memories.

Arrangements are in the care of McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886.9899