Damian James Baracca

Damian James Baracca, 48, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2026, in Wausau, Wisconsin.

He was born on May 5, 1977, in Poughkeepsie, NY, son of James and Daria "Debbie" (Burg) Baracca. Damian was a man who found joy in the kitchen, having worked in various restaurants across Wisconsin and the Hudson Valley in New York. Easily making friends wherever he went, Damian's warm and inviting nature earned him a wide circle of friends across the nation. His personality shone through in his zest for life—whether riding motorcycles, relishing nature walks, or indulging his love for music and hot rods. More recently, his spiritual journey had taken center stage, as he devoted himself to his church with aspirations to become a deacon.

Survivors include, his three children: Ashley “Cheyanne” (Joe) Vanfossen of California, Mikey Baracca, and Jade Baracca-Barringer of New York; four grandchildren; his father, James Baracca (along with his 2 beloved huskies, Apollo and Diamond) of New York; his two brothers, Jordan (Staci) Baracca of Wittenberg and Jeremy (Susan Gentile) Baracca of New York, and his lifelong friend Chris Vasquez of New York. Damian was especially close to his nephews and niece—Alex, Justin, and Kaylee—who held a special place in his heart.

Though we mourn the loss of Damian, we find comfort knowing he is warmly welcomed in heaven by his mother, Daria “Debbie” Baracca, and his grandparents, Lawrence and Catherine Burg, and Virgil and Lorraine Baracca.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Gilead Church, 1102 N 1st Ave, Wausau, WI. Rev. Salvador Fuentes and Rev. Jennifer Fuentes will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.

The last text on Damian’s phone reads: “I can’t leave my church. God put me there for a reason. I don’t know what the reason is, but He’ll show me in time.”