Community Pays Final Tribute to Brian Slavin

The casket of Brian J. Slavin entered the Church adorned with the traditional patriotic American flag as friends and family gathered to pay their last respects to the long-time resident and former superintendent of Yorktown Parks and Recreation. His funeral was held at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow on Thursday, July 1, 2010.

The close family members and friends somberly walked in behind the casket. They were greeted by the large crowd, which numbered in the hundreds. The crowd included men, women and children as well as a few policemen of Tarrytown and Yorktown precincts. Everyone had gathered to pay their final respects to the husband, father, and friend to all.

Carol Robertson, who attended Sleepy Hollow High School with Slavin, said there was not a "mean bone in his body." She has never heard anyone utter a negative word about him, which is rare in these days, she said. 

"He was one of the last few good guys out there," she said. "He did a great deal for others and this is a huge loss for the community."

The Mass was led by a visiting priest chosen by the family for his connection to Slavin. In his sermon, he recognized Slavin's patient nature. He also made note of his steadfast ability to live life with meaning and purpose.

The Yorktown community praised Slavin for his many accomplishments. He has been awarded for his patriotic contributions. In his youth, he served in the U.S. Navy, which earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and Navy Unit Commendation.

The Mass' sermon also spoke of Slavin's "wisdom" as a coach and active member of the communities in which he lived throughout his life. 

"It not about winning or losing," the priest said. "It's how you play the game. Brian played the game."

As the casket was lifted out of the Church, there was not a dry eye in the room. It is clear that Slavin was someone who touched people's lives in both his hometown of Sleepy Hollow. Internment followed at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where close relatives said their final goodbyes.