The Cornell University community is grieving the loss of Thaddeus “Thad” Lucentini ’29, a first-year student in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on Monday while home in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, during fall break. University leaders shared the news in a campus-wide message Tuesday morning, paying tribute to a student remembered for his enthusiasm, integrity, and kindness.
Lucentini was a recent graduate of St. Paul’s School, where he was deeply involved in athletics and academics. A dedicated sportsman, he competed in alpine skiing, cross-country running, and rowing, sports that reflected his determination and team spirit. At Cornell, he had just begun his journey as a history major and participated in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), demonstrating an early commitment to leadership and public service.
“Thad was a bright, engaged student who cared deeply about his studies and community,” wrote Dean of Students Marla Love and Peter Loewen, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and classmates.”
A Difficult Semester for the Cornell Community
Lucentini’s death marks the fourth loss within the College of Arts and Sciences this semester, following the recent passings of Joselyn Guadalupe Garcia ’29, Michael Lenetsky, a senior department manager in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and Professor Debra Castillo, a long-serving faculty member in comparative literature.
In their message, the deans acknowledged the collective weight of these tragedies and encouraged students, faculty, and staff to support one another. The university hosted a campus support gathering on Tuesday evening in Willard Straight Hall, with an additional community meeting scheduled for Wednesday at Goldwin Smith Hall.
A Broader Call for Compassion and Support
Cornell University has continued expanding its mental health initiatives in response to growing awareness of student well-being challenges across U.S. campuses. Support remains available through Counseling and Psychological Services (607-255-5155), Student Support and Advocacy Services, and national hotlines such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Thaddeus Lucentini is survived by his parents.
As Cornell reflects on his life, classmates and mentors remember a young man whose curiosity, humility, and drive made a quiet but lasting mark. His memory, they say, will continue to inspire a community learning to hold space for both grief and gratitude.
