Michael Scott Hensel, 47, of Florida, died July 6, following a battle with subcutaneous melanoma.

A native of Newtown and a 1990 graduate of Newtown High School, Mr Hensel had been living in recent years in Jacksonville, Fla., with his wife, Amber.

In addition to his wife, his mother, Vicki Hensel of Newtown; a brother, James "Jamie" Hensel of Florida; and his daughter, Faith of California, survive him.

Mr Hensel owned his own HVAC business, Environmental Air Force.

He was very big on helping people, his mother said. He loved fishing, boating, and all aspects of the theater, from acting and working behind the scenes to attending performances. He enjoyed reading Christian books and watching Christian films. Having been raised in the Catholic church, Mr Hensel attended St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church growing up and worked for years with his mother at the church's annual parish carnival.

Having gone through a number of surgeries on his ears when he was younger, Mr Hensel was very compassionate. He sought children at local hospitals to share Halloween candy with or just visit, to share some cheer.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 28, at 11 am, at St Rose of Lima, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown.

Donations in memory of Mr Hensel can be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.