Paul C. Sclafani, Jr, 50, of Sandy Hook, died September 22, after courageously battling brain cancer for more than six years. He was born December 13, 1967, in Queens, N.Y., the son of Paul Sclafani, Sr, and Frances Perrillo. He made his home in Sandy Hook with his greatest joy, Bridget, his wife of 24 years, and his beautiful daughters, Brianna and Morgan.

Mr Sclafani worked in the financial services industry for more than 25 years, most recently as a consultant for GE Capital.

His complete devotion to his family, his friends, and his faith were obvious in everything he did. Praying in the chapel at The Abbey of Regina Laudis during his illness was one of the most peaceful places he could find.

A 1990 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and an All-American lacrosse player, Mr Sclafani captained the OWU Men’s Lacrosse Team in 1990, when he was also named the NCAA championship game MVP. He graduated high school from the Portledge School in Locust Valley, N.Y., where he still holds the lacrosse record for all points, goals, and assists. On the day of Mr Sclafani’s death, he was inducted into the Portledge School Athletics Hall of Fame as its first All-American lacrosse player.

His passion was most evident when he shared his love of lacrosse with the hundreds of kids he coached over the last two decades in Wilton, Ridgefield, and Newtown. While Mr Sclafani loved the game, one of his life goals was summarized beautifully when he shared a favorite quote, “One hundred years from now... the world will be a better place because I was important in the life of a child.”

His wife and their two daughters; his mother; his mother-in-law, Kathleen Carney; his brothers- and sisters-in-law; and his many nieces and nephews survive him.

His father and his father-in-law, John W. Carney, with whom he shared a special bond, predeceased him.

Mr Sclafani’s family will receive friends Wednesday, September 26, from 4 to 7 pm, at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, September 27, at 10 am, at St Rose of Lima Church. Burial will follow at Newtown Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Abbey of Regina Laudis, 273 Flanders Road, Bethlehem CT 06751 or to Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St Vincent’s Hospital, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06606.