WALLINGFORD — The overcast weather Thursday morning matched the gloomy atmosphere at Our Lady of Fatima Church, where family, friends and co-workers gathered to say farewell to Tom Gersz.

The popular Shelton High School housemaster died unexpectedly Sunday at age 43.

As pallbearers led his coffin up the aisle of the church, Gersz's wife, Irene, followed, flanked by the couple's two young daughters. Behind them, Gersz's parents and brother led a long procession into the packed church.

"At times like this I would like to say, 'Stop all this dying,' and somehow it would happen," the Rev. Salvatore Cavagnuolo said during his homily. "When we have someone so young it is an overwhelming task to find something comforting to say in the face of such a tragedy."

Gersz leaves behind his daughters, Rebecca and Emily, and a son, Ryan.

Gersz was an educator with the Shelton public schools for more than two decades. He started as an English teacher at both Shelton High School and Shelton Intermediate School; later he became the chairman of the English Department at the high school and eventually was named a housemaster there.

He also coached the basketball and baseball teams and was president of the teachers' union.

His love of sports was deep, said his brother Jonathan Gersz. "I promise to teach Ryan how to play basketball and baseball and football," Jonathan Gersz said in his eulogy. The family has been deeply touched by the outpouring of support from his friends

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and co-workers, Gersz said. "At the wake we learned even more about Tom from the students and faculty and friends," he said. "Your stories warmed our hearts and will keep our hearts warm until we see him again."

From the community's reaction to his death, it is clear that Gersz touched the lives of his students, Jonathan Gersz said. "We were amazed to hear how much he has done to help his students get through," he said.

One of those students was Robin Hathcheck, who attended Shelton High School and had an English class with Gersz.

"He was always ready to help in any way he could," she said. She hadn't talked to him in several years, she said, but felt compelled to attend the services Thursday.

"I feel just awful," she said, echoing the sentiments of everyone at the services.

Jonathan Gersz said he knew what his brother would want his family and friends to do in the wake of his death.

"Live your life with a smile," he said. "Hug people you love and help a stranger in need."