Gainesville - Jay Victor Aliffi, 60, passed away on May 18 at his home after struggling against a brain tumor. Vic was born in Parris Island, SC, and was the son of the late James and Hazel Aliffi. A retired coach of high school football, baseball and soccer, Vic played football for Benedictine High. He played for Beaufort High and Savannah High schools as well, earning him a scholarship to Clemson. Originally drafted as a full back, Vic played numerous defensive lineman positions in college, primarily as tackle. In 1964, his efforts garnered the notice of the NFL, and he was 6th round draft pick for the Philadelphia Eagles, whom he played tackle for. In 1967, Vic married Kathryn Cox, and was drafted by the U. S. Army to serve in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division, and later with the 1st Calvary Division. Applying his talents as a football player to soldiering was a natural extension for Vic, and helped him survive two tours of duty that led to a battlefield commission, two silver stars and eight bronze star awards. In 1976, Vic left the Army as a Captain on a disability discharge, returning home to Savannah to raise his family and to begin a new career. His first coaching opportunity came at Jenkins High School, and he would later coach and teach at Groves High and Bradwell High Schools. In 1993, Vic moved to Cumming, GA, where he taught and coached at North Forsyth, South Forsyth, and East Hall High Schools. October 2001, after suffering a grand mal seizure, brought the diagnosis of glio blastoma multiforme. With the same vigor he pursued every challenge in his life, Vic combated the tumor with radiation and chemotherapy treatments, but to no avail. He passed away quietly in his bed, at home, in the early morning hours of May 18. Survivors: his wife, Kathryn Cox Aliffi of Gainesville; sons, Brian and Douglas Aliffi, both of Gainesville; grandson, Victor Kane; sisters, Kathryn Bryan of Tybee Island and Nanci Aliffi of Statesboro; brother, Maj. James S. Aliffi, Jr. of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p. m. Tuesday, May 21 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel with a Rosary at 7:00 p. m. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a. m. Wednesday, May 22 at St. Michaels Catholic Church on Tybee Island. Burial: Catholic Cemetery. Remembrances: American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 13117, Savannah, GA 31416-0117 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., 1352 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA 31406. Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors Islands Chapel