Eric James Szafran, age 27, a resident of Warrenville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born June 17, 1988 in St. Charles to Mark and Denise Szafran.

Eric attended Johnson Elementary School in Warrenville, Hubble Middle School and Wheaton Warrenville South High School. For the past several years he has volunteered at Johnson School, assisting teachers and was affectionately known as the "laminator man." Although being born with congenital heart disease, he bravely lived with his disability, had an astoundingly strong will to live, and overcame many major health crises to lead as full a life as possible.

He enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes as well as going out to eat and was a "foodie" with adventurous tastes. He also enjoyed collecting and building Legos, loved history and going to Cantigny Museum. He enjoyed Disney World and going to movies with friends and family.

He is survived by his parents, Mark and Denise Szafran of Warrenville, one brother, Andrew Szafran, maternal grandparents, Edward and Shirley Dietz of Mt. Prospect, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by friends including, Eric Vinsel, Devin Starr, Melanie Smith and special caregivers including, Dr. John Gordon, Dr. John Humphrey and Joy Jesman. His dog, Riley was his constant companion.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Szafran.

A visitation will be held Monday, February 22, 2016, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation, indicate to "Special Needs Fund in memory of Eric Szafran", MS 3050, PO Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI 53210-1997.