Todd Joseph Falanga

Heaven has a new saint! Todd J. Falanga, 40, of Valrico, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on October 19, 2021 from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Todd was born on August 5, 1981 in Erie, PA and shortly thereafter was diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome. He moved with his family to Syracuse, NY in 1987, settled in Valrico, FL in 1995, and graduated with a special needs diploma from Durant High School in 2003. Todd was an amazing son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. Todd always greeted everyone with a hug, a high-five, and a smile that lit up every room he was in. He loved to dance, bowl, watch football, and visit the family camp in the Adirondacks every summer. Growing up, he was an avid participant in Special Olympics and loved being a Boy Scout. As an adult, Todd attended the day program at MacDonald Training Center's James Ranch Campus (now Sabal Park Campus), which gave him a sense of independence and pride in going to "work" each day.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Alfonso Falanga; his maternal grandparents, James and Rita Retersdorf; his aunt, Dodie Retersdorf; and cousin, Scott Retersdorf. Todd is survived by his parents, Joe and Bonnie Falanga; 2 brothers, Jeff Falanga and Chris Falanga (Minnie); paternal grandmother, MaryAnn Falanga; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Viewing/visitation will be on Friday, October 22nd, 5-7pm at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home (2323 West Brandon Blvd, in Brandon, FL). Todd's funeral will be on Saturday, October 23rd at 10am in the main church at St. Stephen Catholic Church (10118 St Stephen Cir, in Riverview, FL). For those unable to attend in person, the funeral will be livestreamed via St. Stephen's Facebook page: facebook.com/ststephencatholicchurch. A Memorial Mass and Interment will take place at a later date in Gloversville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following charities:

"MacDonald Training Center - Sabal Park Campus" (macdonaldcenter.org)

Church of the Holy Spirit, Gloversville, NY "Parish Preservation Fund" (holyspirit12078.org)

"St. Stephen Catholic Church Youth Ministry" (ststephencatholic.org)

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, professionals, and caregivers at Tampa General Hospital and Lifepath Hospice who provided for his care, and all of the family and friends who have sent love and prayers over the past few days. Please remember all the joy that Todd brought to our lives, and know that he is now doing better than any of us. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Todd's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

A visitation for Todd will be held Friday, October 22, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Stephens Catholic Church, 10118 St Stephen Cir,, Riverview, FL 33569.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Falanga family.