Zyaire Leeroy Akins

Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | September 23, 2025

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." – Matthew 19:14

Zyaire Leeroy Akins, age 4, of Blythedale, Pennsylvania, was born on February 6, 2021, in Pittsburgh, PA, to his loving parents, Ashley Rice and Isaac Akins.

Though his time with us was brief, Zyaire brought endless joy and light to everyone blessed to know him. His playful spirit and tender heart filled his home with love. Zyaire enjoyed playing with toys that lit up and made plenty of noise. He didn’t need much to be entertained; he found pure happiness in playing with buckets and boxes or simply opening and closing doors. His favorite movie was Tarzan 2, which always brought him comfort and delight. He loved exploring the world around him and bringing smiles to the faces of all he met.

Zyaire also showed remarkable strength and determination. Though doctors once said he would never walk, he defied the odds—not only walking but running with joy. He especially loved jumping and playing on the trampoline.

Zyaire attended the Family Foundation Early Head Start Program, where he was blessed with caring home visits that nurtured his early learning and growth. After graduating from the program, Zyaire continued to thrive as he transitioned into new stages of development. He was also enrolled in the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program until he joyfully aged out at the age of three. These programs encouraged his bright mind and gave him opportunities to flourish in his early years. He continued to receive therapy services through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Preschool Early Intervention Program. Always eager to learn, Zyaire furthered his education at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children in Pittsburgh, PA, where he was nurtured with care, patience, and love as he continued to grow and develop.

Zyaire transitioned home to God on September 15, 2025, at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Juleeann Rice; grandmother, Wendy Rice; aunt, Stacey Rice; great-aunt, Deborah Lewis; great-uncle, Duane Ramsey, Sr.; and great-grandparents, Reverend Leroy and Gladys Ramsey.

Zyaire’s legacy of love lives on through his devoted parents; sister, Aleea Rice; brother, Ti’ Ray Akins; grandparents, Raymond (Marilyn) Rice and Isaac (India) Akins; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family who loved him dearly. He is gone from our arms, but Zyaire will remain forever in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Zyaire Leeroy Akins, please visit our floral store.

Originally published September 23, 2025.

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