Nolan Paul Zahradnik

Nolan Paul Zahradnik, 6 months, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. Nolan was born on October 18, 2022 in Houston, Texas to Adam and Hannah Zahradnik.
'Nolan' means champion which is exactly how he entered this world and how he departed. Nolan was a fiery, red-haired fighter. Nolan was resilient. Nolan was defiant. Nolan was a flirt. Nolan loved being the center of attention. Nolan was a beautiful and perfect child of God. He loved being held, bounced, and rocked by his Momma and Daddy. He loved massages, reading books, and listening to lullaby renditions. His favorite toys were his glowing seahorse, mobile, and rattles.
Nolan was forced to show his strength and toughness because of the cards he was dealt. He fought so hard every single day. Nolan captured countless hearts during his time at Texas Children’s Hospital. We are especially thankful to his dedicated team of nurses: Stephanie, Nikki, Andie, Jacquelynne, Brittany, Anna, Sofia, Georgina, Tong, and many others. Dr. Rocky Tsang and Dr. Iki Adachi were two of his biggest supporters. Dozens of other nurses, doctors, therapists, surgeons, and staff played important roles in Nolan’s journey and all became like family to us. Together they gave Nolan a life that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.
Even though Nolan’s life was cut short, his time here was incredibly meaningful. Nolan taught some of the most talented medical professionals lessons that will help save future lives. Nolan taught us the meaning of strength and true dependence on God. He opened our eyes to a world of pain, suffering, and triumph that is incomprehensible until experienced. Nolan taught us how to be good advocates, not only for healthcare but for all things important. He taught us patience, even beyond what his brother and sister already taught us. Nolan taught us to never take a single day for granted, and so much more. He inspired thousands of people around the world to come together to pray, ultimately bringing everyone closer to God. His life was powerful in so many ways and his legacy will continue to bring good to the world for many years to come.
Those left to cherish Nolan’s memory include his loving parents, Adam and Hannah Zahradnik; brother, Micah Zahradnik; sister, Ava Zahradnik; grandparents, Bobby and Michelle Zahradnik, and Mitch and Angie Macon; great-grandparents, Elda Richard, and Charlie and Bonnie Wallace; aunts and uncles, Aaron and Heather Zahradnik, Zach Macon, Trevor and Callie Trevino who are also Nolan’s God-Parents; cousin, Charlee Trevino.
Nolan is preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Lee Richard, Edward and Joyce Zahradnik, and Floyd and Juanita Macon.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations please be made to Texas Children’s Hospital Heart Center in memory of their precious child, Nolan. Donation may be made at: https://waystogive.texaschildrens.org
A gathering of family and friends will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Nederland, Texas on Tuesday evening, May 2, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a rosary to begin at 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on Wednesday morning, May 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. John Hughes, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas.