Zachary Eric Chesebro, 42, passed away peacefully at his home in Wallingford, CT on June 14th, 2023.
Born on June 26th, 1980, Eric, as he was fondly known to all, lived his rambunctious young life with a free spirit that was infectious to all who knew him. Eric had a zest for life, having fallen in love with the outdoors and rock climbing at an early age.
Eric was strong-willed and stubborn in the best of ways, but he also had an enormous heart and a wicked sense of humor. He was exceedingly generous, courageous and brave. He was clever and extremely loyal to his friends, whom he called family. Eric was also incredibly intelligent and full of fascinating stories gained through all of his life experiences: fisherman, rock climber, hiker, shipyardman, just to name a few. He could entertain anyone with a good story.
In November of 2016, Eric’s life was drastically changed when he was hit by an impaired driver, rendering him a quadriplegic for the remainder of his life. Eric handled this unexpected challenge with dignity, having the most positive outlook and perseverance. Eric inspired many with his tenacity and strength, and had aspirations of being a peer mentor to other individuals among the handicap community.
Eric was an avid Pink Floyd and Phish fan, especially loved movies and shared certain special quotes with anyone he deemed a friend; one of his favorites being, “stay rad!”
He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with those closest to him. Eric is survived by his brother, Scott Chesebro (wife Britt) and niece and nephew, Avery and Cole, of Pittsburgh, PA; his special Aunt Sue Fredette of Cape Coral, FL; his father, Guy Chesebro (wife Diane) of Stonington, CT and sister, Courtney Couture (husband Corbin) and kids of Tampa, FL; his special cousin, Jeff Breckenridge, who was like a brother to him; as well as lifelong best friends Bryan Geyer and Zac Pettini; special friend, Maggie Redfern and many other dear friends & family. Eric was preceded in death by his Mother and Stepfather, Marilyn and Patrick Thomas, of Tampa, FL.
A Graveside Service will be held in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston, RI on Saturday, July 29, at 10:00am.
A Memorial Celebration of Life will follow that day at 1:00pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic.
He will be missed dearly. “Kings to you, Eric.”