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WNY boy who died from complications from the flu, laid to rest

Posted at 11:25 AM, Jan 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-19 11:25:22-05

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — Hundreds gathered inside and outside of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hamburg Saturday as 11-year-old Luca Calanni was laid to rest.

Luca died in early January from complications from the flu, his death has hit close to home for many here in Western New York.

A Facebook event was set up by a family friend last week to honor Luca asking Western New Yorkers to join them in "lighting up the night orange."

The St. Francis basketball team remembered him with a moment of silence.

Two Tim Hortons locations in Hamburg have created orange "Luca Donuts" with all proceeds from the sale of the donut going to the Luca S. Calanni Foundation.

The Buffalo Bills also joined in remembering Luca as they lit New Era Field orange in his memory.

Calanni was a boy who had a passion for life and that was a theme throughout his funeral.

Inside the church, outside the church, love for Luca was everywhere Saturday.

His life was far too short. But his 11 short years, were filled with life.

Luca Calanni's name will live on in the form of a foundation set up in his name.