Aiden Zachary Anderko

With Heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Aiden Zachary Anderko, a cherished son, brother, and friend who departed from the world at the tender age of 16. Aiden’s journey touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark of love, compassion, and inspiration.

Born in Gastonia North Carolina Aiden was the first child of Melissa D Anderko (n. McAlister) and Paul J. Anderko (Jennifer). His name is of Gaelic origin meaning “little flame” which was fitting both in his feisty nature and the light that he brought to lives of people around him.

He spent his first 7 years growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina before moving to York, South Carolina with his parents and then to Rock Hill with his mother and sister. Aiden shared an unbreakable bond with his mother and beloved sister Chloe. Their familial love was a source of strength and joy for Aiden throughout his life’s journey.

He was a funny, but sweet natured child, who loved Star Wars, trains, and Legos. He was advanced early on, learning to walk, read and math before most kids his aged and at 4 was able to ascertain the correct tool to take his own training wheels off. He was often found outside with his dad creating and building things for his imaginary “grand children”.

He was compassionate from an early age also, often coming home from school upset because other children did not have back packs or packing extra lunches for kids who did not bring snacks.

Aiden was a soul brimming with passions and talents. His love for chemistry sparked a flame of curiosity that illuminated his path towards understanding the world around him. Whether he was experimenting in the labs at York Preparatory School, or discussing the wonders of science with his friends, Aiden's enthusiasm was contagious. He also had a very mathematical brain and could solve most problems thrown his way.

Beyond the confines of academia, Aiden found solace and exhilaration in skateboarding, music, hiking, fishing, art and camping with his friends.

Aiden’s love for tools and building things started young and was evident in his craftsmanship and ingenuity. His hands crafted wonders from materials such as wood and leather, cardboard, and metal. Through his creations, Aiden’s creativity and determination shone brightly, leaving, and enduring legacy of innovation.  He loved to draw, make collages and was learning the art of graffiti.

Compassion flowed effortlessly from Aiden’s heart, reaching out to those in need with unwavering empathy. He had a deep connection to those less fortunate and inspired acts of kindness among his peers by often donating time and supplies to the unhoused community in downtown Rock Hill.  He had a gentle spirit and a compassionate and nurturing demeanor that was evident to everyone he met.

Though Aiden's physical presence may have departed from our midst, his spirit remains eternally embedded in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. As we mourn his loss, let us celebrate the radiant life of Aiden Zachary Anderko, a beacon of light in our lives now and forevermore.

Aiden is survived by his loving parents Melissa Anderko, Paul J. Anderko (Jennifer), his sister, Chloe Maternal grandmother Geraldine Russell and paternal grandparents Maureen and Paul Anderko. He also leaves behind his Uncles Keith Anderko (Melanie) and Mark Anderko (Lana) and Aunts Jennifer Ramsey (Allen) and Brittany McAlister as well as cousins Charisma (Logan), Lexi, Breanna, Joe, Gage, Kaleb, Savannah,  Gracie, Arissah, Elijah, Arayah, Tristan, Lukas, and Alex.

A memorial service will be held at Bass- Cauthen Funeral Home in Rock Hill at 2pm on Friday May 31st.

Aiden Zachary Anderko was the loving son of Melissa D Anderko (n. McAlister) and Paul J. Anderko ( Jennifer).  He is survived by his sister, Chloe maternal grandmother Geraldine Russell and paternal grandparents Maureen and Paul Anderko. He also leaves behind his Uncles Keith Anderko (Melanie) and Mark Anderko (Lana) and Aunts Jennifer Ramsey (Allen) and Brittany McAlister as well as cousins Charisma (Logan), Lexi , Breanna, Joe, Gage, Kaleb, Savannah, Gracie, Arissah, Elijah, Arayah, Tristan, Lukas, and Alex.

Aiden was an honor student at York Preparatory Academy excelling in science especially chemistry. He was also a gifted artist whose art was often displayed at school and art festivals in Charlotte. He was a talented musician, playing the trombone in the school's concert band, and learning most songs by ear. Being mechanically inclined, he could fix anything. He was often found under cars in the parking lot at school or at home fixing people's cars.

He enjoyed reading about and researching wars and guns. He could tell you where they were made, what type of ammo they used and how many were left in existence.

Aiden loved being outdoors, skateboarding, bush crafting, hiking, and fishing. One of his favorite places to hike was Crowder's Mountain. He was curious and naturally fearless. When hiking he liked to make his own path and once he and his mother had to be rescued by fellow hikers. He enjoyed climbing on top of and exploring old buildings in Rock hill.

He had a passion for the underprivileged and found solace in making friends with and helping the local unhoused community by donating to the community fridge at the Mercantile and the Pilgrims Inn pantry. He found purpose in volunteering at Camp Joy in the summers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Pilgrims’ Inn food Pantry: 236 W. Main St. Rock Hill, SC, 29731 or Camp Joy : 918 Pleasantburg Dr. Suit 127, Greenville, SC, 29607.