A Brother Lost: Mourning the Tragic Passing of Troy Scheffman
Dear Brothers of the Knights of Columbus Dallas Diocese,
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we come together to mourn the loss of one of our most devoted and cherished brothers, Sir Knight Troy Scheffman. On the morning of March 24, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed Troy’s home in Princeton, Texas, claiming his life at the age of 57. He passed away later that morning at Medical Center McKinney Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness, faith, and unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and our brotherhood.
Troy’s final act was one of extraordinary courage and love. As the flames consumed his home, he ensured the safety of his three children, shouting to his daughter to break a window and get her brothers out. They escaped, crawling to safety through that window, but Troy remained behind, determined to save the family’s pets. Tragically, he did not make it out. “Troy stayed behind to get the pets out, but he didn’t make it,” said Paul Scrivano, Grand Knight of McKinney Council 12153 and a close friend of Troy’s. These words echo the essence of who Troy was—a man who put others before himself, even in the face of unimaginable danger.
Troy Scheffman was more than a member of our order; he was a beacon of what it means to live the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. His generosity knew no bounds. As Brother Paul Scrivano so poignantly shared, “He was a man of God. He was the most generous man I ever knew in my life. He would give the shirt off his back. Even if it was the last shirt he had. He was inspirational too. He inspired us to do things that we might not have done.” Troy’s presence in the Dallas Diocese and the Collin County community was a gift—a testament to the power of faith and service.
His impact reached far beyond his family. As a Knight, Troy poured his heart into our shared mission. Whether he was serving the homeless, visiting VA Hospitals, leading as a past Grand Knight or as a Past Faithful Navigator or as Financial Secretary, or lifting up his fellow brothers with his infectious spirit, Troy embodied the ideals we strive to uphold. His absence leaves a void that words cannot fully capture, yet his example will continue to guide us.
In this time of grief, we stand with Troy’s family—his wife, who was out of town during the tragedy, and his three children, who owe their lives to their father’s heroism. A GoFundMe page has been established to support them as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. “This is NOT a Knights of Columbus request, but I am reaching out to you as a friend to request your help for our brother’s family in this time of need.” said Mike Courtney, Dallas Diocesan Deputy.
If you are willing and able to assist, please use the GoFundMe link below:
Assist the Scheffman Family in Their Time of Need
We encourage our brothers to contribute what they can, offering not just financial aid but a symbol of our solidarity and love.
Funeral services will be shared as details become available, and we will gather to honor Troy’s memory, to pray for his soul, and to support one another as a brotherhood united in sorrow and faith. Until then, let us hold Troy in our hearts, reflecting on the lessons he taught us through his life and his sacrifice.
Troy Scheffman was a husband, a father, a friend, and a Knight of Columbus whose light shone brightly among us. Though we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the indelible mark he left on our lives. May we find strength in our shared brotherhood, and may Troy rest in the eternal peace of our Lord, whom he served so faithfully.
In sorrow and solidarity,
The Knights of Columbus Dallas Diocese Chapter
Funeral Service
Thursday, April 3, 2025 @ 1:00 PM
St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Parish
110 St. Gabriel Way
McKinney, TX 75071
Sir Knight Troy A. Scheffman, PFN, PGK, DD117
Sep 19, 1967 – March 24, 2025
- Dallas Diocese Chapter
- Newly appointed as District Deputy, District 117
- Home Council 12153, McKinney, Texas, St. Gabriel the Archangel, Fr. Eugene Okoli Pastor
- Current Financial Secretary
- Past Grand Knight
- Served in 13 different parish ministries
- Council 11293, Allen, Texas, St. Jude Catholic Church
- Past Grand Knight
- Fourth Degree Assembly 3004
- Past Faithful Navigator
- Past Faithful Comptroller
- Member of Masters Staff, Exemplification team
- Troy was in the Diocesan Diaconate program but discerned out after 3 years
- University of Texas at San Antonio
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Fox4 News article about the tragedy