Tributes paid to 'gentle and happy' boy, 7, who died after bouncy castle tragedy
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for a 'healthy and full of life' seven-year-old boy from Co Laois who died after taking ill while playing on a bouncy castle.
Antony Perissato de Aguiar, from Maryborough Village in Portlaoise, was happily playing in a bouncy castle last weekend when he 'suffered from a sudden heart condition'. The youngster was rushed to Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin, where he sadly passed away on Wednesday.
A death notice shared by Antony's family on RIP.ie states: "We are devastated to announce that our little man Antony Perissato de Aguiar, age 7, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at the Crumlin Hospital on the 4th June with his loving parents. Antony was healthy and full of joy playing in a bouncy castle on a beautiful day when he suffered from a sudden heart condition.
"Dad, Raphael, and Mom, Karla, are very blessed to have Antony as their child and he will be forever missed by his little brother, Gianlucca, his cousin, Isaac, his beloved grandparents, Sandra, Rogerio, Maeli, Carlos and Solange, and his many friends from our Brazilian community, his school, Scoil Bhride and his after-school, After the Bell."
Antony's sudden death has sent shockwaves through the local community in Portlaoise, with friends, neighbours and acquaintances paying heartbreaking tribute to the tragic youngster. Antony was a pupil at Scoil Bhride in Portlaoise, with his teachers remembering him as 'kind, gentle and happy boy whose smile lit up the classroom each day".
In a heartbreaking message shared online, Rachel Conroy, Antony's teacher in Senior Infants, said: "Raphael, Karla and Gianlucca, sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beautiful boy Antony. Antony was such a kind, gentle and happy boy whose smile lit up the classroom each day. Although our class will never be the same without Antony, we will always remember him, his beautiful smile and the amazing memories that we made as a class in Senior Infants.
"Antony was a friend to everybody and showed great kindness and care to all. A special angel who will never be forgotten."
Antony's Junior Infant teacher at Scoil Bhride, Orla Mahon, said: "Raphael, Karla and Gianlucca. I am so truly sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Antony was a beautiful child and his gorgeous smile lit up our classroom everyday. May his gentle soul rest in peace, a little angel that will never be forgotten."
A friend of the family write: "Karla, Raphael and dearest Gianlucca, I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Antony. There are truly no words that can ease the pain of losing a child. Antony's light, his spirit, and the love he brought into your life will never be forgotten.
"Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your precious boy. I am holding you in my heart and sending you all my love and strength. Rest in peace little man. Watch over you Mammy always."
Another mourner added: "I am heartbroken to hear about the loss of your precious Anthony. I can't begin to imagine the pain you're feeling. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
"His beautiful smile and spirit touched everyone who was lucky enough to meet him. And he was so lucky to have you- such a loving, devoted, and wonderful mum.
"You and all your family are in my thoughts and my heart." Antony will lie in repose at Keegan's Funeral Home in Portlaoise this Sunday from 2pm to 4pm with prayers at 3pm, followed by a private cremation on Monday.
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