Austin James "AJ" Verbanac

On Wednesday March 9, 2022 Austin James “AJ” Verbanac, 32 of Bonita Springs, FL passed away suddenly. Austin was born on September 27, 1989 to Michael Joseph Verbanac and Kimberly Ruth MacLaren in Naples, FL. He graduated from High School in Naples, FL on July 15, 2008. He attended Edison Community College for a short time and found his passion for the love of the outdoors which consisted of fishing, hiking, camping, and saw palmetto berry picking. Additionally, his passion to help those whom were suffering from food, clothing or money insufficiency motivated him at times to give the shirt off of his own back. His compassion for those whom were suffering has changed many that knew him. The most important person in Austin’s life was his daughter Sophia Rose. She was the love of his life and dreamed of the day that he would be able to overcome his challenges in life to become that father he wanted to be for her. His daily routine with her was a “good morning my love” phone call to wish her a great day and a “night time call to tell her to have sweet dreams and I love you baby”. Austin touched everyone he was around and, in a way, became a teacher of those to experience him through consequence of actions vicariously. He was a good man and a kind soul. Austin is survived by his mother Kimberly MacLaren, his father Michael Verbanac, his daughter Sophia Rose, his brothers, Camron (Jessica) Verbanac, Casey Verbanac, his sister Jennifer (Peter) Abreut, and his niece Bailey Verbanac, nephews Aiden and Lincoln Verbanac all located in Florida. Additionally, his grandfather Joseph Verbanac. In addition to numerous aunts and uncles, and cousins in Florida, Michigan, and Washington State. He was preceded in death by Grandmother, Dolores (DeeDee) Verbanac, Grandfather William Mark MacLaren, Grandmother Esther MacLaren and his Aunt Kristine Brown. Friends are welcome from 1:00-3:00 P.M. on Sunday March 20, 2022 at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home & Crematory, 28300 Tamiami Trail South, Bonita Springs, FL. where a Funeral Service will follow at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to made, in Austin’s name to: Harry Chapin Food Bank at 3760 Fowler St., Ft. Myers, FL. 33901. www.harrychapinfoodbank.org To sign Austin’s guest register or leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home & Crematory Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Austin James "AJ" Verbanac

September 27, 1989 - March 9, 2022