Ridgefielder EJ Carfi was praised for his "tremendous courage" at Wednesday's Board of Selectmen meeting on the day he passed away at the age of 14.
EJ, a high school freshman, had the support of the Ridgefield community as he fought epidermolysis bulosa, a rare skin disorder, throughout his life, First Selectman Rudy Marconi said Wednesday.
"Our condolences go out to the family and everyone involved," Marconi said. "He had tremendous courage -- he fought and fought and fought."
State Rep. John Frey also knew EJ and wrote on his Facebook wall: "EJ was a very inspiring young man. So sorry to hear of his passing. He touched many and will be long remembered."
Support from the Ridgefield community for EJ and his family has been unwavering, as well.
A Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 10:15 am in St. Mary Church in Ridgefield, according to the obituary provided by the Kane Funeral Home, which follows:
EJ Carfi, 14 of Ridgefield, died on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Danbury Hospital surrounded by his loving family shortly after his admission.
He was the son of George and Jody (Delany) Carfi of Ridgefield and was born at Danbury Hospital on February 5, 1997. EJ was a lifelong Ridgefield resident and currently a Ridgefield High School freshman.
EJ was born with the rare genetic disorder epidermolysis bulosa, often referred to as EB and butterfly disease, which is a skin disorder in which the skin is very fragile, blistering at the touch and requiring daily care to keep his wounds clean and infection free.
EJ was a former docent at the Aldrich Museum and a member of the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club.
EJ loved watching WWE Friday Night Smackdown and Monday Night Raw with his family and friends. EJ was also an avid NY Yankees fan and enjoyed taking on any Red Sox fan. He cherished family gatherings most of all. EJ enjoyed socializing with people, stories and jokes as well as riding his very special bicycle. He also loved playing wiffleball and was always up for a game with his friends in the neighborhood.
EJ had the special ability to reach into the hearts of others with his beautiful blue eyes, his disarming smile, and his kind and gentle personality. In addition to the love and support of his family, EJ also enjoyed the support of the entire Ridgefield community, and for that, the family will be forever grateful. EJ was a very special boy who will be forever missed by all those that knew him.
In addition to his parents George and Jody, EJ is survived by a sister, Carina R. Carfi of Ridgefield, his maternal grandparents, Edward and Lucille Delany also of Ridgefield; his paternal grandparents, George and Margaret Carfi of Southern Pines, NC ; aunts, uncles, cousins and many cherished friends.
A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 10:15 am in St. Mary Church, Ridgefield.
Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Ridgefield.
The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Contributions in EJ’s memory and honor may be made to the EJ Carfi Fund, Mr. Frank McPike, Fairfield County Bank, 150 Danbury Rd., Ridgefield, CT 06877.
