Alex Thomas Zimmer

Alex Thomas Zimmer, 27, of Tolland, died Saturday, July 23, 2016, as a result of a heroin overdose after 2½ years of sobriety.

Alex was born June 30, 1989, in Hartford.

Alex is survived by his mother, Laura Rankin and her husband, Eric, of South Windsor; his father, John Zimmer and his longtime companion, Cindy Eastman, of Windsor Locks. He also leaves his four brothers, Andrew Zimmer, Brendan Zimmer and his wife, Alena, Mark Zimmer, and Connor Rankin; and his four sisters, Amber Rankin, Erica Rankin, Alexis Rankin, and Lauren Rankin. Alex was adored by his aunt, Linda LaVallee, of Enfield; his uncle, Todd LaVallee, of Suffield; his uncle, Charlie McCauley and his wife, Kristin, of Vernon; his nephew, Liam; and his newest treasure, his niece, Margeaux. He also leaves his two cousins, Grace LaVallee and Ashley McCauley.

Alex had been working very hard for the past 2½ years to get his life on track and overcome this terrible addiction. The family requests that everyone spread the word of this horrific epidemic taking our children. Please talk to your children repeatedly about the danger of drug addiction.

His family will receive friends on Thursday, July 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor. A prayer service will follow at 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private at the request of his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Courage to Speak Foundation, 71 East Ave., Suite M., Norwalk, CT 06851.

For online condolences, visit

www.carmonfuneralhome.com