Obituary: Xavier Adam Deeney, 4 Months, Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From Hamden Memorial Funeral Home): Xavier was a tiny bundle of love wrapped around the heart of a lion. He was made of two things: sweetness and fight. His life was not freely given; he fought for every one of his 127 days with a tenacity not thought possible in such a tiny person.

We were awed by his strength and perseverance. His favorite things were staring into his mother's eyes for long hours at his bedside. He loved you blowing on his tummy to make a silly sound. He loved you putting bunches of kisses on his feet; he would smile so big and stick a foot out, asking you to do it again. He loved his pacifier, especially with a refreshing dip in apple juice.

He was so happy to meet his big sisters when briefly home from the hospital. He received more than world class care at the cardiac pediatric intensive care unit at Yale New Haven Hospital. He received constant love and affection.

There was always someone to hold him and snuggle him when his mother or father couldn't be there. The team nicknamed him, "Teeny Deeney," "Professor X" and "Gordo."

His family is forever indebted to his nurses for giving all of themselves to Xavier. His brief life was hard, but still so radiant with joy that he illuminated everyone who met him. He appreciated all the support he received from afar, from the family and friends following updates on him from around the country.

His memory will live on with us, lingering like the sweet kisses he would put on his mother's cheek. He was such a good boy.

In lieu of flowers, we'd prefer donations to be made to the Abate Foundation in support of children with congenital heart disease and their families cared for at the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit at Yale New Haven Hospital:

DONATE | JoeAbate Foundation

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Hamden Memorial Funeral Home here.