Paul Sturgess

STURGESS, PAUL Paul Sturgess, 52, beloved husband of Nicole Hansen Sturgess of Branford died Sunday at his home after a courageous battle with ALS. Paul was born in New Haven, the son of the late Barbara Duke Sturgess and Macneil "Mike" Sturgess (Betty Burrows) of FL and OH. He was born and raised in Branford and was a graduate of Branford High School, Class of 1978. Paul was a multi-sport athlete at Branford High School as a member of the basketball and tennis teams, and was named Scholar Athlete by the New Haven Tap Off Club. Following his BHS graduation, Paul matriculated at the University of Connecticut, where he played on the tennis team. Following his 1982 graduation from UConn, Paul continued his active participation in athletics, including tennis, golf, softball and basketball. Paul competed in over 30 triathlons, including the elite, world class "Escape from Alcatraz, in 2004. Paul's interest in athletics turned to coaching as he spent over 15 years as an assistant coach for BHS basketball as well as 4 years for Branford Junior basketball. Paul was the 5th generation owner of V. F. McNeil Insurance Company, which recently celebrated its 125 years in business. Paul is well-known for his philanthropy. In addition to being instrumental in fundraising for the BHS basketball booster club, V.F. McNeil Insurance has been a major benefactor to the Branford Recreation Dept., the Cosgrove Animal Shelter, the Branford Festival, the Community Dining Room, and many other recreational activities in town. Paul donated a great deal of his time to these organizations and others in Branford as a volunteer. In 2009, Paul received the Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut Community Service Award. The V. F. McNeil scholarship for a deserving BHS student was initiated in 2011. Besides his wife and father, Paul is survived by a daughter, Natashia Sturgess of Greenville, SC; step-daughters, Emma and Dylan Hall of Branford; siblings, Thomas (Marilynn) Sturgess of Northford, Elizabeth (Larry) Kibler of Albuquerque, NM, David (Paula) Sturgess of Charlotte, NC, and Douglas (Cristina) Sturgess of Irvine, CA; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Thursday from 3-8 PM at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford. A graveside service will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 in Branford Center Cemetery, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 in the First Congregational Church of Branford. If you are attending both the graveside and church services, it is asked that you park at the Church and walk over to the cemetery. As per Paul's request, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the Community Dining Room, 30 Harrison Ave., Branford, 06405. See online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com