Addison Rerecich developed a local and national following in 2011 when she had a double-lung transplant following a near-deadly staph infection.
The northwest-side teen’s parents put their lives on hold to take care of her and she continues to struggle with staying healthy post-transplant.
Now her father has died unexpectedly.
Lawrence Rerecich died in his sleep from a heart attack during the morning of June 30. He was 50.
The family will hold a memorial celebration of his life from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 25 at the Rerecich home in Marana, 7996 W. Ironwood Reserve Court. A formal church service will be held in New York in early October.
Addison, now 15, fought her way back from a life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant infection that left her hooked up to an external lung for three months in 2011.
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She then survived a double-lung transplant in her weakened state. Her fight to live attracted wide community support, including an online prayer community. And her case attracted national attention, including being featured in a segment of “Frontline” on PBS.
Lawrence was a licensed aircraft engineer and military veteran who took time off of work to stay by his daughter’s side when she was sick. His family said he was a devoted husband who always put the needs of his family before himself.
Lawrence and his wife, Tonya Rerecich, were on unpaid leave from their jobs for so long they had to open a bank account and take donations from friends and strangers.
Lawrence had worked around the world, including Europe, Africa, China, Saudi Arabia and India.
He was married to Tonya for 19 years and together they had four children — Logan Rerecich, 25, Addison, and twins Seagan and Sheridan Rerecich, 13. He is also survived by his parents and four sisters.
