Nicholas Hayden DeLuca, age 20 of Canton, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Northside Hospital Cherokee surrounded by his family.

Nicholas Hayden Deluca was born in Marietta, GA at Kennestone Hospital in Dec. 2003. He is the proud son of Christopher and Jessica DeLuca and the brother of Braelyn DeLuca. Nicholas grew up and was raised in Canton, GA. He attended school in Cherokee County and graduated HS in May of 2023.

Nicholas was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in 2006. Since his diagnosis, Nicholas had over 15 surgeries, received numerous chemotherapy protocols, endured several weeks of radiation therapy and spent countless times in and out of the hospital.

Nicholas enjoyed spending time with his friends, working with his dad, playing video games, and doing extreme sport activities like mtn. biking, dirt bikes, skate parks, water sports, and anything in between, before the tumor started affecting his abilities. Even though he endured so much in his lifetime, he never complained or used his sickness as an excuse or weakness. He was the epitome of a true fighter, hero, and warrior.

Nicholas was a very positive person, eager to help, caring, and FULL of life. His ability to make and have friends was indescribable. He never met a stranger. He was faith driven, attending Woodstock City Church and was part of numerous small groups. He was a true testament to God's will. He was an inspiration to every single person that crossed his path.

Nicholas was obsessed with cars! You could count on seeing him at any and all car events throughout the metro area. His favorite thing to do was video the cars revving their engines to hear the sounds the exhaust made.

When you remember Nicholas, we hope what you'll think of how Big his heart was. How he would throw up the middle finger and tell you cancer sucks will forever be embedded in our brains.

Nicholas is survived by his parents, Chris and Jessica DeLuca; sister, Braelyn DeLuca; grandparents, Ray and Paula DeLuca of Canton, Georgia and Gary and Vickie Azarigian of Chapin, South Carolina; great-grandmother, Nadia Andrews of Canton, Georgia; aunt's and uncles, Ryan and Carrie DeLuca of Jasper, Georgia, and Jason Azarigian of Chapin, South Carolina; and cousin, Rossi DeLuca of Jasper, Georgia.

We welcome you to join us on March 2, 2024, at 1pm, at Woodstock City Church to celebrate his life and legacy. We ask in lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

CENTRO MEDICO DEL NOROESTE
2650 E David Riedel Blvd
PO Box 12354
San Luis, Arizona 85349

In the memo: Nicholas DeLuca for medical supplies

Reception to follow afterwards located at Sidelines Riverstone in Canton from 4-7pm. God Bless you, Nicholas Hayden DeLuca. We love you more than words could ever express.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the DeLuca family.