ALTAMONT — Gabriel Joseph Zullo, whose friends and family called him “Gabe,” “went home to our Lord on Wednesday, May 29, 2024,” his family wrote in a tribute. He was 17.

The beloved son of Peter and Abbie Zullo, he was born on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006.

“Gabriel, a senior at Guilderland High School in the Class of 2024, spent over four years battling Ewing’s sarcoma with a smile on his face and a will in his heart,” his family wrote. “He never let his cancer define him, instead focusing on the joys in life, such as family, friends, and school.

“He shined with a great light that enveloped everyone who came near. Our Warrior battled with courage, patience, bravery, and determination. He was an inspiration to everyone, inspiring them to live their own lives to the fullest.

“Gabriel was a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout, a member of Vocal Thunder, and an enthusiastic member of the Guilderland High School Robotics team where his role was programmer and driver. He loved to sing and participated in choir every year he was in school, culminating in first place at the Music in the Park competition in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

“Gabriel had a strong faith which took him from altar boy to reader at the children’s Mass to adult acolyte at St. Vincent de Paul Church.”

“​​Gabe will be remembered for his warm presence and valiant spirit,” wrote Marie Wiles, the superintendent of the Guilderland schools in a message this week posted on the district’s website. “He beamed with positivity, brightening up any room he was in with his friendly smile.

“Many students were fortunate to call Gabe their friend. He made a tremendous impact on the Guilderland school community, inspiring all with his capacity to confront adversity with courage and grace. He will be missed immensely.”

In March 2021, Dr. Wiles had written in an email to the school community, saying, “For a year, Gabe has undergone aggressive medical treatment, all while participating in school remotely. Gabe will regularly attend his virtual class sessions wearing the very blanket his English class sent him to help support him through his treatment.”

“Gabe is a wonderful and hardworking young man, who gives 100 percent despite how he’s feeling,” said his high school English teacher, Danielle Benner, at the time.

In June of 2021, Gabriel, with his mother, Abbie Zullo, accepted a check for over $1,500 to help cover medical expenses, funds that had been raised by a fellow Guilderland student.

At that time, Gabriel recalled finding a lump on the back of his leg and telling his father. The diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma came swiftly as did community support.

“Altamont Elementary School, Farnsworth Middle School, the high school — so many people came together to support us,” said Abbie Zullo.

The family also leaned on their faith, she said, with support from their church, St. Vincent de Paul in Albany. “We just had to keep going,” she said.

Abbie Zullo also praised the treatment Gabriel received at Albany Medical Center’s Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Gabriel credited physical therapy for his fit condition. During radiation treatment, he explained, the back of his knee got burned. Because he propped up his leg to reduce the pain, his ligament shortened. So he took up physical therapy.

When Gabriel was asked about his future plans, he said, “I hope I might be able to help people.”

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“Gabriel was the beloved son of Peter and Abbie Zullo; best friend and brother of Jenna, Tessa Leigh (Shak), and Jacob; his beloved dog Nyxie; cherished grandson of Bonnie Chainey, Allan Weir, Richard Elison, and Georgia Springs; paternal cherished grandson of the late Mama Lena and Grandpa Anthony Zullo,” the tribute said.

“He was the adored nephew of Mickey and Jim Jendraszek, Melanie and Michael Springs-Cowart, Ricky and Toni Ellison, Chaucer Ellison, Paula (predeceased) and Glynn Spratt, Joe (predeceased) and Kathie Zullo, Frank and Maryann Zullo, Tony Zullo Jr., Paul and Tammy Zullo, Theresa and Phil Ferrara. He is also survived by numerous loving cousins and extended family and friends.”

All are invited to visit with the Zullo family on Friday, June 7, from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church at 900 Madison Ave. in Albany.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 8, at 10 a.m., also at St. Vincent de Paul Church. For those who cannot physically be present can livestream the services at https://www.facebook.com/stvincentalbany/.

“A special thank you to all the teachers and administration at Altamont Elementary School, Farnsworth Middle School, and Guilderland High School,” the tribute said, “who supported and helped Gabriel in his goal to graduate well.

“To Make A Wish for checking off the first item of Gabriel’s bucket list by gifting him with a pool. To Building on Love for helping us to get through those first few months after Gabriel’s diagnosis. To the Baller’s Foundation for gifting Gabriel with a gaming setup.

“To Danielle Benner for organizing the raffle that sent us to Disney, checking off the second item on his bucket list. And finally, to the doctors and nurses at The Melodies Center, for taking such good care of Gabriel during his battle, especially Dr. Jennifer Pearce, Dr. Kate Halligan, and Sue Clarke.”

Memorial messages may be left at https://altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Class of 2024 Gabe Zullo Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will award a scholarship “to a student who exhibits courage and bravery and is an inspiration to students and staff while attending Guilderland High School. The recipient will also embody Gabe’s best qualities including a positive attitude, a diligent work ethic, and kindness to their school community.”

Checks in any denomination may be mailed to GHS Class of 2024 Gabe Zullo Memorial Scholarship, 8 School Road, Guilderland Center, NY 12085.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer