Zachary Michael Cynova

Zachary Michael Cynova, 17, of Grand Island, NE, beloved son of Christopher Cynova, passed away suddenly on February 14, 2026.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Apfel Funeral Home 1123 W. 2nd St. at 1:30 p.m. with Brandon Bachle officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, February 20th from 5 to 7 PM at Apfel Funeral Home.

In a hurry to explore the world, Zachary arrived two months early on July 5th, 2008 at Lincoln NE. He was born to Christopher and Jean (Johnson) Cynova. At the age of 22 days, Zach was relocated to Children's Hospital in Omaha and underwent the first of a number of surgeries. He would spend about six months in the NICU at Children's before coming home.

Despite many health issues, Zachary would thrive and grow and exceed expectations on many levels. When he was old enough, Zach attended school at the Grand Island Early Learning Center, Engleman and Shoemaker Elementary, Westridge Middle School and Grand Island Senior High School. He would have graduated in May of this year. He really enjoyed school and only tolerated school breaks until he could get back with his friends.

Everywhere that Zach went he would make new friends of all ages. He loved to meet people and made many friends. Zach really loved to play Minecraft, but his most recent favorite was No Man's Sky where he could explore other worlds and fly space ships.

Zachary is survived by his father, Chris, Grandparents Gary "Goka" and Kay Cynova, Aunt Laura Cynova, his caregiver, Dani Shaneyfelt, mother Jean Johnson, Grandfather Lynn Dell Fulton, Grandmother Brenda Fulton, Uncle Jacob Fulton and Aunt Andrea Fulton and a legion of spare aunts and uncles, schoolmates and friends. Special recognition to all of the paras, teachers, nurses and doctors in both Omaha and Grand Island who helped to guide Zach through his life.

Donations are suggested to The Arc of Nebraska in Zach's memory.