Cornell University is mourning the loss of Thaddeus “Thad” Lucentini ’29, who passed away on Monday, October 13, while home in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, during the university’s fall break.
Lucentini was a first-year student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where he planned to major in history. He was also a member of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and a recent graduate of St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, where he participated in alpine skiing, cross country, and rowing.
His death was announced Tuesday morning in an email from Dean of Students Marla Love and Peter Loewen, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“Our thoughts are with Thad’s loved ones, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, instructors, and classmates,” Love and Loewen wrote.
Lucentini is survived by his parents.
The loss of Lucentini comes amid what university officials described as a particularly difficult semester for the College of Arts and Sciences, following the recent deaths of Joselyn Guadalupe Garcia ’29, Michael Lenetsky, senior department manager for Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and Professor Debra Castillo.
“The College of Arts & Sciences has experienced the loss of four community members this semester,” Loewen and Love wrote. “The passing of classmates and colleagues can affect each of us differently. We encourage you to care for one another and seek support when you need it. Losing a friend, classmate, or colleague is difficult.”
To support grieving students and staff, the university has scheduled two community gatherings this week. A support meeting for the Cornell community will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in 413 Willard Straight Hall (the Art Gallery Room). Additionally, the College of Arts and Sciences will host a community meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. in G64 Kaufman Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall.
Students seeking support are encouraged to reach out to Cornell Health’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or the Dean of Students Office.
Lucentini’s death marks a profound loss for the Cornell community, as friends, faculty, and peers remember him for his dedication, warmth, and potential as a scholar and leader.
