Paul Cifaldi, III

Paul Cifaldi, III of Hilton Head Island, SC, died on June 21, 2024, following a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and surrounded by loving family.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Holler Cifaldi (“Bebe”), daughter, Olivia Cifaldi, son, Paul Cifaldi IV, daughter-in-law, Olivia Cifaldi, his favorite sister, Lisette Cifaldi (no implicit bias, although the author is said sister), sister Nicole Feeny, brother-in-law, Kevin Feeny, sister Robin Cifaldi, sister-in-law, Amanda Cifaldi, and his parents Paul Cifaldi, II and Rosemary (Robin) Bachman Cifaldi.

Born on June 28, 1963, in New Rochelle, NY. Paul graduated from Sea Pines Academy in 1981and attended the College of Charleston, Charleston, SC.

He married Bebe Holler at the Church of the Cross in Bluffton, SC on April 29, 1989, and they recently celebrated their 35th anniversary.

The Hilton Head of Paul’s childhood was feral and unfettered, much like Paul. The island was idyllic in those days and Paul made full use of his playground surrounded by the sea. His joyful soul and mischievous nature fostered many friendships in his youth, most of which were on hand to see him off at his passing. His love of connection to others, and the reciprocity he experienced in that love, is an enviable legacy. He tested the boundaries of adolescence, shaving a few years off his parent’s life, but somehow ended up a respectable pillar of the community – a head-scratcher for sure until you factor in his choice of brides. Bebe was the yin to his yang and the tether he needed. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, the biggest of big brothers, and the prince of sons (my mother does, in fact, refer to him as the prince). He was big in every way -- stature, heart, joy, faith, and opinion. He had a booming voice and a gentle kindness.

Paul has had many jobs throughout the years as well as owning his own successful printing and data business however, his true purpose was realized in 2008 when Paul answered the call to help establish the South Coastal Fellowship of Chrisitan Athletes. Over the course of the past 15+ years, Paul’s love of Christ combined with his considerable skill set, resulted in unprecedented growth of that ministry. It is fair to say that almost anyone within Paul’s sphere of influence has felt his unrelenting, fundraising prowess. This was never more evident than the past 3 years. Even during his battle with cancer, Paul remained vigilant in asking folks to pray for and support that ministry. Countless staff members and thousands of youths have been touched by Paul’s dedication. His legacy is undeniable.

Paul was a former member of Providence Presbyterian Church where he led a youth program offering Wednesday night fellowship and yearly mission trips remembered for hilarious mishaps and meaningful, spiritual development. Most recently, Paul was a member of Hilton Head Presbyterian Church where he and Bebe were blessed to be members of a “life group” consisting of several couples meeting weekly to stay connected to each other and Jesus.

Paul will be remembered fondly for his love of God and family, his humor and playfulness, intellect, passion for FCA, deep and enduring friendships, men’s accountability groups, love of Hilton Head, being a devoted husband and father, and a good round of frisbee golf. The common thread throughout all his relationships was his unwavering commitment to Christ.

A memorial service in his honor will be held at Lowcountry Community Church (801 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC) on Saturday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m. A private reception for family will follow at another location.

Memorial contributions may be made to South Coastal FCA: https://my.fca.org/?form=southcoastalscfca