G. Scott "Scooter, Scotty Boy" Staniar

G. Scott Staniar, affectionately known as "Scooter" and "Scotty Boy," passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, in Mission Viejo, California, surrounded by his beloved wife Rita and their four children-Garth, Leslie, Kimberly, and Elizabeth. He was 61.

Scott's final moments were filled with grace and faith. With his father-in-law's rosary in hand and the presence of Father Scott Borgman, he received his last rites and offered a final squeeze of love and reassurance to his family. His passing marked the end of a courageous battle with cancer and acute respiratory distress syndrome, but his legacy of love, service, and joy lives on.

Born with a radiant spirit and a competitive edge, Scott's life was a tapestry of excellence, humility, and generosity. A native of Concord, Massachusetts, he was a standout athlete from a young age, winning the 1980 MIAA Boys' Tennis Singles Championship. He attended Yale University, where he graduated with a B.A. in American Studies and captained the Yale University Men's Tennis Team. He rose to the team's #1 position singles and doubles and received multiple All-Ivy honors. Scott's prowess continued after graduation, reaching a national #1 ranking in platform tennis, becoming a 5-time Paddle Singles National Champion and achieving multiple Club Championships in both tennis and platform tennis at the Greenwich Country Club and Concord Country Club.

Yet, Scott's identity extended far beyond personal achievements and accolades. He was a visionary leader, a devoted husband and father, and a man of deep Christian faith. His professional journey spanned leading roles in marketing and product development at PepsiCo, Cadbury Schweppes, and American Express, before founding his own firm, Staniar & Associates, which served a premier client base, including the USTA and Snapple Beverage. Later, he channeled his talents into nonprofit leadership, serving as Vice President at Tenacity and, most recently, CEO of New HYTEs and Board Member of SquashBusters. Each of these organizations is dedicated to urban youth development through novel and comprehensive blending of education and life skills with leadership and physical growth. Over the course of his career, he mentored thousands of urban youth through sports and education. Family, friends, and co-workers all recall how, whenever Scott entered a room large or small, everyone immediately felt a lift of spirit. This was particularly true in his efforts with children and youth who often were seen screaming and running toward their "Coach Scott" when he arrived on the scene. Scott committed his life's work to his mission and no one better exemplified the phrase, "live your faith."

Raised Episcopalian, Scott converted to Catholicism to unify his family in faith. He founded Luke Hill Media to help middle schoolers connect with Christianity in meaningful ways and served as a confirmation teacher and men's group leader at Holy Family Parish. Scott always aimed high. He built Luke Hill to "reshape Christian teen faith formation to more closely connect faith to the daily challenges teens face in the digital era." His legacy of developing groundbreaking, modern curricula for the Catechism of the Catholic Church served to motivate and inspire the next generation of church leadership.

From early days fishing on Cape Cod with anyone who would join him, across his notable athletic career, and through all of his non-profit initiatives, Scott invited everyone into friendship with him and community with others. He was that rare individual who could root with all his heart for his beloved New York Yankees, while still wanting the Red Sox to thrive.

Everyone wanted to partner with Scott on the court, or team up with him in a golf tournament. He and Rita had the uncanny ability to brighten any room or gathering. There was a heartfelt intensity in every encounter with Scott – an intentional presence that made one feel truly seen and deeply connected. Above all, Scott's life and purpose were wholly centered on his family. He met Rita at Cadbury Schweppes, and their relationship blossomed into a 27-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose.

Together, they raised four remarkable children who carry forward his values and spirit. Nothing elevated Scott's spirits more than spending time with his family. With four kids under the age of 4, Scott ensured nothing was missed from skiing, sledding and fishing, to wheelbarrow rides and thunderstorm parties. He and Rita prioritized these precious moments, whether traveling together or just being close at home over the years in Cos Cob, CT, Concord, MA, Branford, CT or at family getaways in ME and at Grammy's and Grampy's place on the Cape. His illness never stopped him from being the loving Dad to his children, the caring son to his parents, the adoring husband to Rita, the love of his life. the supportive brother to his sister Kim and her family, and the fun uncle to his nieces.

Scott is survived by wife Rita; children Garth, Leslie, Kimberly, and Elizabeth; parents Mary and Wade Staniar; sister Kim and her husband Jon and daughters Micheala and Leigh; and a wide circle of extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his grandparents Marion and George Staniar, Margaret and Lyndell Carter, and in-laws Dr. and Mrs. Garth Tagge.

Scott lived a life defined by integrity, joy, love of his family and a relentless drive to uplift others. He never sought the spotlight, yet it found him through the quiet strength of his character. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the communities he served, and the family he so dearly loved.

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In lieu of flowers or other gifts of affection, the Staniar family requests donations be made in Scott's name to New HYTEs – G. Scott Staniar Donations (https://newhytes.org/donate/). Scott's dream was to build a New HYTEs Student Enrichment Center adjacent to the Yale Bowl Area featuring classroom space and a tennis court. All donations through this link will be directed gifts to the Enrichment Center project in Scott's honor.