Obituaries

Late 11-Year-Old New Hampshire Boy Who Fought Batten's Disease Had Sudbury Ties

Nicholas R. Dainiak, 11, of Bedford, N.H., fought the disease for six years before passing away on Friday. His grandparents are Sudbury residents.

A New Hampshire boy whose maternal grandparents are Sudbury residents lost a six-year battle with Batten's disease Friday, his 11th birthday.

Nicholas R. Dainiak of Bedford, N.H., was born in Waterbury, Conn., but spent most of his life in New Hampshire where he was a fifth grade student at Bedford's McKelvie Intermediate School.

The 11-year-old's maternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Noyes, are Sudbury residents.

"Nicholas had lots of energy and enjoyed many activities, including swimming, gymnastics, reading, painting and listening and dancing to music," according to his obituary on the Lambert Funeral Home website. "He also enjoyed dressing as super heroes, playing with his Lionel trains, attending Red Sox and Celtics games and all things Disney, in particular the character, Buzz Lightyear."

Calling hours were held on Sunday afternoon, and a funeral was held in Bedford on Monday morning.

Nicholas' parents, Christopher and Heather Dainiak, have established "Our Promise to Nicholas Foundation" to focus on birth defects and genetic diseases. The non-profit seeks to raise funds, promote awareness and provide education and research.

"We're so sad and we miss Nicholas so much, but he's definitely in a better place," said Nicholas' mother Heather Dainiak, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader. "He's happy. He's walking and talking. He left us on his birthday because he wants us to celebrate all 11 years of his life. he definitely did that on purpose."


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