Richard Fiore, an ultra-successful Las Vegas-based businessman who became a patron for the sport of lacrosse in the Western United States, has died. He was 50.

Fiore, who just recently stepped down as head coach at Faith Lutheran High School, passed away suddenly in his sleep on Friday, Nov. 27. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Faith Lutheran High School Chapel and Performing Arts Center, located at 2015 South Hualapai Way.

Fiore was the head coach at Faith Lutheran for three seasons, and he led the Crusaders to the Las Vegas High School Lacrosse League championship game in 2008 and 2007. His son, Madison Fiore, became the first native Nevadan to play NCAA Division I lacrosse and is currently at the University of Maryland.

Most recently, Fiore invested in and was named the Honorary Chairman of LXM Pro Lacrosse, which had its first-ever event in Santa Ana, Calif., just six days before his death.

A native of Steubenville, Ohio, Fiore made his fortune in the gaming business and was once named Nevada Businessman of the Year in 2003.

A couple months ago, Fiore told WSL he resigned from Faith Lutheran so he could watch his son play in college, and he hoped to return to coaching lacrosse at the collegiate level some day.

“During a given year, I interview hundreds of members of the Western lacrosse community, and few, if any, are more helpful or enthusiastic about the game than Rich Fiore,” WSL Executive Editor Nathan Max said. “Rich’s untimely passing is a massive tragedy. He was a true benefactor for the sport, and he will be missed.”