When Paul Favini laughed, everyone knew.
The loud, infectious sound would escape his office through his always-open door and echo in the hallways in the Nadine M. McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion.
"You could just hear it, and you just knew that was Paul's laugh," said Tony Mata, head of musical theatre. "It was just wonderful to hear."
Favini, interim director of the UF School of Theatre and Dance, died Sunday after a nearly three-year battle with cancer. He was 51.
Favini's colleagues and students at UF remember him fondly.
"He was a real gentleman, in the truest sense of the word," Mata said.
Favini grew up in Scranton, Pa., and received a bachelor's degree in business administration/marketing from the University of Scranton in 1987. He graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in costume design from Indiana University in 1997.
Favini came to UF in 2000 and became an associate professor of costume design in July 2006. In 2010, he was appointed director.
He was a center of calm in the bustling costume workshop, said Stacey Galloway, assistant professor of costume design and technology.
Favini had an eye for detail. His bold designs were collaborative and creative, she said.
He designed costumes for more than 60 shows, according to his resume.
"He was phenomenal," said John Reger, Favini's partner of 11 years. "He should have been a Broadway designer. He should have a Tony Award."
The school was his life. The hardest part of becoming director was that he was no longer in the classroom, Reger said.
But Favini never lost his connection with students.
"He really knew how to listen," said Josh Sallerson, a dance senior.
Now, the school feels incomplete without Favini's presence. It's like missing a family member, Sallerson said.
"He always had a joke for any little situation, and it was always a very funny, sarcastic joke," said his stepson, Britton Reger.
Favini and his jokes will remain with his family and friends despite his absence.
"He will always be here with us in spirit," Mata said. "We loved him very, very, very much."
There will be a celebration of Favini's life at the Constans Theatre in February.
Donations to Paul Favini's memorial fund can be sent to UF's Office of Development, P.O. Box 115800, Gainesville, Fla., 32611.
