MONTREAL - Friends and family gathered Thursday morning at Evagelismos Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Park Extension for the funeral services of 10-year-old Deyan Perisic.

Perisic was shot and killed in Coldspring, Texas on Dec. 13 and his sister Danyela was severely injured by eight gunshot wounds, allegedly inflicted by their father Predrag Perisic, who is facing charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and violating a custody agreement.

Danyela remains in hospital in Texas where she faces a long recovery of another eight weeks after already undergoing four surgical procedures. Her mother Vera Vucerakovich left her side a few days ago to be at her son's funeral Thursday, only to fly back immediately afterward.

There was a huge turnout at the funeral from Deyan's extended family, members of the Greek community at large, students and staff from Gardenview Elementary in St-Laurent and also many of his former soccer coaches and teammates.

"He was a kid that dreamed of playing for the Montreal Impact, for the Montreal Canadiens, he would have grown up to be a tremendous athlete," family member Tommy Mouhteros told reporters outside the church. "He was always happy. Regardless of what was happening with his father, he was a very happy child. He was very close to his sister, and the whole family. He was just a joy."

The funeral was presided over by the archbishop for the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada, Sotirios Athanassoula.

"We should pray for one another," Athanassoula said. "And the healing should start with everyone.. and the healing starts when we start to forgive."

Bitter custody battle

Perisic and Vucerakovich were involved in a bitter custody battle over their children. The family lived in St. Laurent for many years, until the family moved to La Porte, Texas in 2009.

Vucerakovich and the children returned to Montreal in January 2010, but a Quebec judge soon ordered the children to return to Texas.

In October, Quebec Superior Court ruled the children should return to Canada to stay with their mother.

That's when Perisic apparently pulled Deyan and Danyela out of their Texas school and went into hiding.

Authorities in Texas entered the home where the shooting occurred to arrest Predrag Perisic on kidnapping charges when they heard gunfire.

Police found Deyan's body, Danyela suffering from multiple gunshots, and their father.

A fund has been set up to help the family pay for medical fees, rehabilitation, transportation and other costs. Those wishing to donate can send them to:

Sun Youth Organization

Re: Crime Victims (must be written on the cheque)

Attention: Maria Josee Rapaso

4251 St. Urbain

Montreal, QC

H2W 1V6