Ellijah Oscar Davila

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Ellijah Oscar Davila, who died unexpectedly at home on June 23, 2023, at the age of 19; a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Ellijah was born on September 23, 2003 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London Connecticut, to parents Rafael Oscar Davila, and Maria Anne Frances Davila. He was raised in Norwich, Connecticut where he attended Norwich Public Schools, and graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 2021.

Ellijah was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him, and was loved by so many people. He was an amazing: son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and an awesome and amazing grandson. Ellijah was kind, loving, smart- wise beyond his years, with a great sense of humor and a curiosity that never quenched. His smile was infectious. He touched so many lives and hearts.

Despite being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of three, Ellijah was determined to live life to the fullest and never limited himself. Ellijah was a true warrior in fighting this terrible disease, and in his fight, was so strong and faced every challenge with courage. He never asked “why me?” His parents were his champions and they did everything within their power to help make sure he lived the best life possible. His parents loved Ellijah from the moment he was born and their entire lives were dedicated to making sure he lived the best life possible.

Ellijah loved his younger brother Noah Francis Davila who also was his champion. Noah never hesitated to help him with whatever or whenever he needed him. They loved to talk sports together, and played computer games together. They had a very special bond that made their parents so proud.

Ellijah absolutely loved to learn- history and geography were his favorite subjects. He would watch several documentaries and YouTube videos, then he would love to share all the fun facts he learned that day. He loved to watch Jeopardy with his parents and he would be able to answer so many questions. His parents would always say that they would want him as his Jeopardy teammate!

Ellijah was a 2021 graduate of Norwich Free Academy. While at NFA he really grew out of his shell. He took classes that he loved including World History, and Cooking Cuisine, that he loved. Even during the Covid shutdown and online learning, he would wake up bright and early ready for the day. He made strong friendships, went on field trips to Newport, RI and Salem, MA, and he even played on the Unified Basketball and Track teams. He was so proud of his accomplishments while at NFA, and his face showed it all at graduation.

Ellijah attended the Horizons Program at Eastern Connecticut State University where he took classes in Biology, History, and loved every minute of it. He also worked at the University’s green house and helped prepare food at the dining hall.

Ellijah enjoyed watching comedy shows like: Bob’s Burgers, Parks and Rec, Community, South Park, Simpsons, Big Bang Theory. His laugh would light up the room and he would also do impressions that would make everyone laugh with him. Ellijah also always seemed to know every musical artist, what songs they sang, what year the song came out. If a song came on the radio that no one knew who it was, we would ask Ellijah and he would know right away.

He loved his computer and it was a life line for him from doing research on a variety of things, completing his college course work for his next class to playing his computer games.

He loved to cook and he loved to eat. He helped prepare meals as he could. He loved to eat but was not a hamburger or hotdog kind of guy, he had a very developed palate all through his life.

Ellijah became quite the sports aficionado. He loved everything sports, especially cheering for the San Francisco 49ers after meeting Jimmy Garoppolo at a NE Training Camp, XFL Football, he created his own fantasy football league where he took it very seriously but everyone had so much fun! He loved watching the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, basketball and baseball playoff games. His absolute favorite; however, was his beloved AEW Wrestling. He loved to watch wrestling with his dad on Wednesday nights. He knew all the wrestlers and their theme songs. You could hear him yelling and cheering them on from his bedroom. Thankfully, he was able to watch them live twice and talked about how exciting it was for weeks after.

Ellijah was deeply loved by his family. He is survived by his parents; his brother Noah Francis Davila; his grandparents: Jeanne Donohoe (aka Pretty), Lawrence Donohoe, Carmen Sandoval Marrero, and Luis Davila; his aunt and uncle, Amanda and Eric Levine; cousins Jackson, and Kennedy Levine, and his aunt, Elbiatriz Davila, and cousins: Angel, Dominic, and Eva Luna.

Ellijah loved his Pretty. They had a special relationship and bond. He was Pretty’s love of her life and they loved to spend time together. They have many special memories of their time together from just chatting, playing a rousing board game or going out walking the dogs.

Ellijah’s parents would like to thank everyone who was a part of Ellijah’s “village.” This includes family, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, teachers, bus drivers, OT, PT, and so many more, who his parents could depend on to help them make sure Ellijah was cared for and lived the best life possible. Everyone has been so incredibly supportive during this difficult time- sending gifts, flowers, food, and overall support. Ellijah’s family is forever grateful.

Special recognition to Chris Joly who was Ellijah’s Paraprofessional throughout Middle and High School. He loved spending every day with Chris, who made him feel safe and taken care of at school. They formed quite a bond and made many memories. His parents consider him family.

His parents would also like to thank Make-A-Wish CT for providing Ellijah and his family with a Mediterranean Cruise vacation which was a once in a lifetime experience, and to The Jett Foundation for providing support, and wonderful opportunities for those living with DMD especially Camp Promise which Ellijah looked forward to attending every year.

Finally, his parents would like to thank the amazing nurses and doctors at Backus Hospital for the love and compassion they showed his family on June 23, 2023.

Ellijah will always be in our hearts and will be with us in spirit. He will never leave us. It was the hardest thing for us to lose him so soon, but we know The Lord had other plans for him. We love and miss him every day.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Church & Allen Funeral Home (136 Sachem Street, Norwich, CT 06360) from 4 PM to 7 PM. The family invites anyone who would like to wear orange (Ellijah’s favorite color), in his memory to do so.