Of Waltham, died tragically Thursday evening March 20th, 2014 at Newton – Wellesley Hospital at the age of 17.

Born on April 21, 1996 in Waltham; Tyler was a lifelong resident of Waltham.

Tyler attended Bright Elementary School, McDevitt Middle School and was in his senior year at Waltham High School with the Class of 2014.After graduation Tyler intended on joining the United States Marine Corps.

He was a member of the Waltham High School Anti-Bullying Committee and active with the youth ministry at Sacred Heart Church in Waltham.

Big in stature and physically fit he was known as the “Tank”. He was an outstanding star athlete, as a member of the Waltham High School Football, Lacrosse, Baseball and Co-Captain of the Wrestling team. Tyler excelled at wrestling where he was named to the Dual County League All Star Team for his outstanding performance and contributions to his team.

Tyler loved dancing, singing rap, was outgoing and a fun loving kid with a great sense of humor, he enjoyed making people laugh. He would greet you with a smile a hug and kiss, once you knew him for 30 seconds you became his friend. He was extremely loyal and protective to both his family and friends.

His life was cut short but his legacy of love & devotion to his family and friends will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched in such a short period of time.

Tyler is survived by his beloved parents Anthony and Deanne (Athanasopoulas) Zanco, he was the amazing & devoted big brother of Trevor Zanco, was the cherished maternal grandson of Richard and Janice Athanasopoulas of Newton and paternal grandson of Anthony Sr. and Joan Zanco of Waltham, he was the loving nephew of Lauren Coscia and godson of Raymond Coscia of Quincy, Dorothy Zanco and her husband Powell “Jr.” Young of Waltham, Virginia Zanco of Sudbury, nephew and godson of Kimberly DeFelice-Michel and Harry Michel of Framingham, and the dearest great nephew of Anne and Tony Ferranti of Waltham, and his devoted cousins Justin, Alexandra, DeVaughn, Deaunte, Dorian, Ariana, Lexy and Vinny. In addition he is survived by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, coaches, teammates, and mentors whom he looked up to and numerous close friends.

Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend Funeral Services from the Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapel, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Friday morning March 28th at 9:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Tyler’s Life at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham at 10:30 a.m. Committal Services will follow at Calvary Chapel Mausoleum in Waltham. Visiting Hours will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday March 27th from 3 - 8 p.m. Parking attendants on duty.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Tyler’s memory to www.gofundme/7pfxx8.com.