ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A memorial service will be held next week in recognition and celebration of Gregory Lynn Lefler, beloved son, brother, friend and competitor.

His energy and passion for knowledge and competition were most evident in his love for games, especially “Go.” “Go” is an eastern game of strategy that combines beauty and intellectual challenge.

Greg moved to Rochester, N.Y., in August 2000 to attend Rochester Institute of Technology. There he started the R.I.T. Empty Sky Go Club. Competing at a professional and national level, he organized the National Go Congress in 2004 in Rochester, N.Y., and also ranked in the top 10 for highest attendance to AGA sanctioned tournaments that year. Club members, faculty, and other players emphasize that Greg loved Go and they loved Greg.

Born March 15, 1980, in College Station, Texas, he grew up in Lisbon Falls. He graduated from Lisbon High School in 1998. He excelled scholastically, graduating in the top 10 of his class and winning numerous competitions for the Lisbon math team. He also participated in the drama club, and the cross country and track teams.

Family and friends recall most Greg’s contagious laughter and his enthusiasm for learning. He studied Karate, earning advanced belts in multiple styles and had recently begun participating in competitive ballroom dance. He also loved books and computers. His hunger for knowledge was only rivaled by his appetite for Chinese food.

Gregory died Tuesday, Aug. 9, in Rochester, N.Y. He was 25.

Surviving are his mother, Alice Koroski, and stepfather, Paul Koroski; sisters, Melissa Lefler and Elizabeth Koroski, as well as brother, PJ Koroski, all of Lisbon Falls; and stepsister, Tony-Lyn Koroski of Los Angeles, Calif.