Obituary of Paul James Fava

Paul J. Fava, 46, father, husband, sports broadcaster Paul J. Fava passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, August 1. Paul leaves his son, Phil Fava, 22, whom he ever-protected and loved far more than words can measure; and his wife, Gwen A. (Creamer) Fava, with whom he shared a 23-year affectionate and devoted marriage. He had a strong intellect, and many interests, but his love of the people both close to him and those he encountered along the path remains his defining legacy. Paul had a passion for sports since childhood. He was always very proud of his career as a sports broadcaster, which he pursued throughout the 1990s and the early 2000s in radio and television and on the Internet, where his sports knowledge was legendary. He was particularly a hockey fan and rooted for the Flyers; he also played minor league football for the South Jersey Devils. Recently, he worked in different fields, including as a painter alongside true friend, Mike Matalucci. Paul was born August 25, 1965, in Newark and was a Vineland resident for 43 years. He attended Vineland schools, Vineland and Sacred Heart High Schools, and Rowan University Surviving relatives include his loving parents, Ceci Brandt and her husband Mickey of Vineland and Dave Fava and his wife E. Raye of Woodstown. His mother-in-law Elaine Creamer of Pittsgrove also survives him. Other survivors include one brother, Richard A. Brandt, and his wife Jessica, of Snohomish, Washington; and two sisters, Emily Bullock, and her husband Curtis and Kati Brandt and her husband Pete McKamey, all of Vineland. He leaves a paternal aunt, Paulette Bird, and husband Jim of Florida, as well as his maternal aunts, Juliy Marie of Utah, Emily Stanton and husband Larry and Elisa Oorbeek, all of South Carolina, and his maternal uncle, Ricardo Wilson Grau of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Surviving nephews are Eric Roig, Anthony DiGregorio, Riley Bullock, and Gavin McKamey; and a grand niece, Adrianna DiGregorio, who all reside locally. Paul left cousins who live widely across the United States and in Bolivia and Guatemala. Paul was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Norma and Paul V. Fava and his maternal grandparents, Julie and Richard H. Wilson, as well as sister-in-law Loreen. DiGregorio, brothers-in-law Edson Creamer Jr., and Darren Creamer, and father-in-law Edson Creamer Sr.