Zachary J. Lerminiaux

Olean- Zachary John Lerminiaux “Loving Son, Brother & Uncle”

At 7:00 am on Sunday, July 5. Zack Lerminiaux slipped away from us in his sleep to be with his Lord. His pure and simple faith assures us that he is smiling as he walks and talks with God, for as Zack would say, "No chair in heaven."

Born on May 10, 1979. Zack was the son of Daniel and Donna Lerminiaux of Olean, NY, and brother to Carrie Nelson of Brighton, MI. Diagnosed in his first year with cerebral palsey, Zack began his therapy program with the Rehabilitation Center, attended their Children's Learning preschool, and special classes at East View. From 5th grade until graduation from OHS in 1999 he was included in a regular class setting and participated in all school activities. He benefited greatly from the love and support in his total school experience which armed him with the reading, communication and computer skills so essential to his future life.

At school everyone knew Zack and his sense of humor as he made teachers and students aware of his special needs and capabilities. Following graduation, he moved into the Buffalo Road ReHab/InTandem Residence, where a succession of staff friends provided his daily care and he joined the agency's first Day Hab class for weekday activities. From the very first weekend he began his "weekend home" plan, which allowed for family connecton and created wonderful memories, including motorhome trips, Disney World and camping at Allegany State Park. Zack discovered the Beach Boys and became a fan, attending any nearby concerts where he made a personal connection with band members. And his weeks at Camp Pioneer on Lake Erie was always a summer highlight.

Zack had so many favorite interests, from Super Mario to Harry Potter, The Magic School Bus, Toy Story, the Buffalo Bills and more and loved his cozy character lap blankets, even on the hottest days. But his greatest love was the video games he discovered at an early age and which he followed up to his current PS-5 and weekly downloads. He could always be found at his "command central” bedroom desk where, using only one hand, he shopped for and played his RPG and sports games. He loved to shop! IPad was always nearby for Facetime and messaging.

Most recently, Zachary has re-found his church family at Immanuel Lutheran where he loved to help out as Honorary Chair of the Social Commitee and to see his special church friends.

Though limited physically, Zack had a sharp mind and was always making plans for what comes next. He had a strong will and quick sense of humor. He knew what he wanted and, after a progression of speech devices, chose his reliable cardboard spellboard as his way to communicate needs and news. But the most memorable thing about Zack was his wonderful quick smile which spread joy to all who knew him. It was pure joy! One immediately knew when Zack liked something, or agreed with you, or had a new idea. The smile..it said everything! It is the smile we will miss the most. Over the years Zack has benefited from so many people who have been a part of his life, providing the services his condition required. And he always repaid them with that amazing smile!

Predeceased by his father, Daniel Lerminiaux and Aunt Carol Johnson, Zachary is survived by those who loved him and will miss him the most:

Mother Donna Leminiaux, Sister Carrie (Brice) Nelson, Niece and Nephew Audrey and Gavin Nelson, Aunt Janet (Charles) Quatrino, Aunt Louella Johnson, Aunt Judy Arnold and Cousin Dan Beacraft.

Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00pm. A funeral service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 419 Laurens Street, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:00am. The Rev. Carrie Wolfe will officiate. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, or to Intandem at 1439 Buffalo St, Olean, NY 14760.