Luca Calanni was a caring young man who truly embodied the meaning behind his name, “Giver of Light.”

Luca was sweet, caring, passionate, and had a terrific sense of humor. He genuinely cared about every person he met. His family and his teachers would say he worried about everyone else and would always try to do things to accommodate others, or to bring a smile to their face. Shortly before his unexpected passing, he asked his father “If we win the lottery, can we start a foundation that would help kids who aren’t as lucky as me?” The Luca S. Calanni Foundation (Live Like Luca) was born out of his idea and his desire to help others.

Luca loved sports and enjoyed participating in all sorts of activities. He was a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, the New York Yankees, The Ohio State University, and the NBA. He was passionate in his learning about the players and every statistic from every single team and era. Throughout the years he played basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and golf. He participated in these activities with the Hamburg Little Cagers, the Kenmore Soccer Club, Lake View Soccer & lacrosse, and Junior PGA. Luca’s father, Roger “Bodge” Calanni took great joy coaching Luca in basketball and practicing with him at their home. Luca also shared his mother Ashley’s passion for music and reading. He enjoyed participating in chorus at Pinehurst Elementary School and one of his favorite books was ‘Wonder,’ that taught him the importance of choosing kindness. The mission of The Luca S. Calanni Foundation honors his passions by helping children experience the joys of participating in sports, camps, the arts, and other activities.

Luca was an incredibly kind, caring, and loving boy who brought joy and light to all who knew him. Luca’s parents Ashley and Bodge would always say to him “Luca, I love you” and he would always respond “I love you more!” He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend and he is deeply missed. We strive to live by his example and to Live Like Luca.