Community gathers to support family

Fundraiser held in honor of Lorain boy who died last month

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County brought the community together on Aug. 29 for a fundraiser in support of the family of a Lorain boy who died last month.

Za’Nobio Shaniuk, 10, died on July 20 after suffering a severe asthma attack following a baseball game. Inside: Father thanks community.

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Operations Director Tony Dimacchia said they wanted to do something to help the family through a difficult time.

“It’s something where Za’Nobio and his entire family have been a part of the Boy & Girls Clubs. The family has supported the Boys & Girls Clubs in such a big way and have been active with our organization, so we just thought should put a fundraiser on to show support for the family during this time of mourning,” he said.

The Italian American Veterans Club, 4567 Oberlin Ave.,

donated its hall for the fundraiser where it had a spaghetti dinner and shared memories.

Za’Nobio had been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs for three years.

His father, Gary Shaniuk of Cleveland, said he has been overwhelmed by the support from the community from Toni Morrison Elementary School, local community organizations and the medical personnel who tried to save his life and remembered his son as his best friend calling his two boys the light of his life.

“He wasn’t just my son. He was my best friend and the three of us, we’d go everywhere together like three spokes on wheels. Life don’t prepare you for anything like that,” Shaniuk said.

In thanking the many

people who came to the hospital and showed support for his son at his funeral he said he realized how loved he was and how many lives Za’Nobio touched in the community.

A collection of pictures of Za’Nobio stood in the back of the room with an inscription from Shaniuk:

“Za’Nobio…Thank you son for the greatest 10 years of my life. I will see you again in paradise. Our love is eternal.”

Za’Nobio’s mother Laquenta Massey said earlier this week she is hoping to create a non-profit organization that works to prevent fatal asthma attacks through education, awareness and providing CPR training.

“Za’Nobio… Thank you son for the greatest 10 years of my life. I will see you again in paradise. Our love is eternal.” —Inscription on photos of Za’Nobio

KEVIN MARTIN— THE MORNING JOURNAL Gary Shaniuk remembers his late 10-year-old son Za’Nobio Shaniuk with a collection of pictures at a fundraiser Aug. 29.