James M. Giff, 56, of Monroe, died suddenly on November 1.

He was the owner of the children's bookstore The Dinosaur's Paw in Newtown.

His beloved wife, Laurie; his dear children, Jimmy and Chrissy; his cherished granddaughter, Haylee; his parents, Patricia Reilly Giff and James A. Giff; his brother, William, and wife, Catherine; and his sister, Alice O'Meara, and husband, James, survive him. He is also survived by his father-in-law, George Cau; sister-in-law, Rene Cau; and 14 nephews and nieces.

As adjunct professor, he taught children's literature at Sacred Heart University.

Family and books were his passion and the driving force in his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the welfare trust for his granddaughter, Haylee, at 19 Winslow Terrace, Monroe, Connecticut.

A Mass will be offered on Monday, November 7, at 10 am at St Jude's Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe.

For online condolences, visit spadaccinofuneralhome.com.