In memory of
Adam William Zacharko Penn
May 22, 1992 - June 15, 2026
Adam William Zacharko Penn, age 34, of Toronto, Ontario, passed away suddenly on June 15, 2026, at Sunnybrook Hospital. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the hospital and staff for their efforts to save Adam.
Adam was born on May 22, 1992, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto to his proud parents, Linda Zacharko Penn and Richard Penn. He arrived in the world fast out of the gate —a trait that would define him throughout his life.
Adam was a bright light: personable, caring, enthusiastic. He approached life with the same spirit as the character in one of his favourite childhood books—a "Pig Will" attitude toward everything he set his mind to. From an early age, he stood out for his intelligence, energy, determination, and fierce devotion to his friends and family.
Adam was a rare force of nature—both fleet of foot and fierce of mind, and always thoughtful and caring toward others. He thrived in every role he embraced, from camper and counsellor at Camp Tawingo to captain of his hockey team, Bryst football star, and rugby player whose winning try got his school team to a championship.
His academic journey took him through John Fisher French Immersion, The York School, and Royal St. George's College before graduating from the University of Guelph, his parents' alma mater, with a degree in Biomedical Science, and finally earning a Master of Science degree in Cancer Biology from the University of Toronto.
Following university, Adam built a career in medical sales, where his acumen and ability to connect with people earned him awards and professional recognition.
Adam is deeply missed by his mother, Linda Zacharko Penn; and her husband, David Andrews; his father, Richard Penn; and his partner, Elizabeth Solecki; his girlfriend, Katarina Pauksens; his stepsister, Tallulah Andrews; his sister, Jessica Penn; and her partner, Andreas Fragnito and his beloved nephew, Aurelius William Fragnito-Penn, whom Adam was overjoyed to welcome as a first-time uncle.
He is also mourned by his grandmother, Olga Zacharko, and by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Adam was predeceased by his grandfather, Walter Zacharko; his grandmother, Monica Rochard Penn; and his grandfather, Fred Penn.
"The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long." A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Forever in our hearts does not do justice to our aching loss.
Adam was born on May 22, 1992, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto to his proud parents, Linda Zacharko Penn and Richard Penn. He arrived in the world fast out of the gate —a trait that would define him throughout his life.
Adam was a bright light: personable, caring, enthusiastic. He approached life with the same spirit as the character in one of his favourite childhood books—a "Pig Will" attitude toward everything he set his mind to. From an early age, he stood out for his intelligence, energy, determination, and fierce devotion to his friends and family.
Adam was a rare force of nature—both fleet of foot and fierce of mind, and always thoughtful and caring toward others. He thrived in every role he embraced, from camper and counsellor at Camp Tawingo to captain of his hockey team, Bryst football star, and rugby player whose winning try got his school team to a championship.
His academic journey took him through John Fisher French Immersion, The York School, and Royal St. George's College before graduating from the University of Guelph, his parents' alma mater, with a degree in Biomedical Science, and finally earning a Master of Science degree in Cancer Biology from the University of Toronto.
Following university, Adam built a career in medical sales, where his acumen and ability to connect with people earned him awards and professional recognition.
Adam is deeply missed by his mother, Linda Zacharko Penn; and her husband, David Andrews; his father, Richard Penn; and his partner, Elizabeth Solecki; his girlfriend, Katarina Pauksens; his stepsister, Tallulah Andrews; his sister, Jessica Penn; and her partner, Andreas Fragnito and his beloved nephew, Aurelius William Fragnito-Penn, whom Adam was overjoyed to welcome as a first-time uncle.
He is also mourned by his grandmother, Olga Zacharko, and by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Adam was predeceased by his grandfather, Walter Zacharko; his grandmother, Monica Rochard Penn; and his grandfather, Fred Penn.
"The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long." A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Forever in our hearts does not do justice to our aching loss.