Zachary R. St. Gelais, age 33, passed away peacefully at home, on February 9, 2026. Born on August 6, 1992, he was the beloved son of Donatilde (Silva) St. Gelais and Maurice St. Gelais. Zac grew up in East Freetown, MA and attended Apponequet Regional High School and the Schwartz Center for Children in Dartmouth. He lived with a spirit that was bright, funny, and endlessly loving. Zac spent his childhood running, laughing, learning, and exploring the world freely. He was seven when he had his first seizure, the moment that began his journey with Batten Disease. Even as the disease progressed, Zac remained entirely himself – funny, bright, stubborn in the best way, and deeply connected to the people around him.

Movies were one of his earliest joys. Zac memorized his favorites and later imagined every scene in perfect detail when he could no longer see them. Music was another constant in his life – especially Bryan Adams and Christmas songs, which he sang year-round with zero apology. He had a gift for humor, collecting joke books and delivering punchlines with a grin that made everyone around him laugh. His laugh was contagious, the kind that filled a room and stayed with you long after.

Zac treasured time with his family. Holidays were his favorite, when he'd make the rounds  giving shoulder massages to everyone in the room – a dream he once had of becoming a masseuse, a dream he never got to pursue. He shared a special bond with his dog, Trixie Loo, who adored him with a devotion that matched his own gentle spirit.

Despite the challenges he faced, Zac lived fully. He vacationed with his family including cruises and trips to Mexico, and he even learned to surf in Hawaii and had his first massage during his Make-A-Wish trip. As the disease progressed and took his vision, mobility, speech, and independence, Zac found new ways to communicate: the unmistakable twinkle in his eye, the perfect Elvis lip, the dimple that appeared exactly when he wanted you to know he was still right there with you. He fought like a warrior through every hospitalization with a strength that humbled everyone who knew him. He lived with grace, humor, and a resilience that defied the limits of his illness.

Zac is survived by his mother: Donatilde, and partner, Robert Larsh, his father: Maurice, and wife Jean St. Gelais, his sister: Katelyn St. Gelais and partner Kevin Baptiste, his brother: Jordan St. Gelais, his paternal grandmother: Claire (Levesque) St Gelais and step siblings: Katie Larsh, Daniel Larsh, Kelsey (Carpenter) Anastasio and Kate Carpenter. He is also survived by countless aunts, uncles and cousins. His life was shaped by love and family, and he gave that love back tenfold.

His absence leaves an ache beyond words, but his laughter, his courage, and his light will stay with us always forever.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Visitation to be held in Silva-Faria Funeral Home, 730 Bedford Street, Fall River, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Zachary's Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown, at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 19, 2026. There will be no gathering at the funeral home in the morning Thursday. Private cremation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Brothers With Battens", a nonprofit founded  in honor of Zac and his brother Jordan, supporting families affected by Batten Disease. By Check to "Brothers With Battens", via PayPal: @BrothersWithBattens https://www.paypal.biz/BrotherswithBattens or Venmo:  @BrothersWithBattens https://www.venmo.com/u/BrothersWithBattens