Brandon Fiornascente, a sophomore, died unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 20 at his home in Montclair, NJ before returning to the University from this past winter break.
Mary Anne Nagy, Vice President for Student and Community Services, sent out an email last Friday informing the campus community of the tragic news. “The University regrets the untimely death of a member of our community and extend its deep sympathies to his family and friends at this most difficult time,” the email read.
Nagy explained that the University is not aware of Fiornascente’s cause of death. “Out of respect for his family we’re not pressing for an answer,” she said.
Fiornascente was studying psychology and had Dr. Jamie Goodwin, instructor of psychology, for abnormal psychology during his spring semester last year. “I cannot claim to have known him well on a personal level, but he was an incredibly bright, hard-working student who had one of the highest final grades in a very challenging class,” said Goodwin. “He had an aptitude for psychology, and both I and his classmates valued his insightful contributions to our discussions.”
Fiornascente was a resident of Laurel Hall but as a freshman he lived in Elmwood Hall. His resident assistant (RA) during his freshman year was Daniel Roman, a junior political science major. Roman posted a Facebook status last week stating, “I had the privilege of being Brandon’s RA but more importantly I am lucky to have also been his friend. I’m really going to miss his incredibly nice personality. Living only two doors down from him he made our floor and Elmwood a much better place. I can’t remember a minute where he wasn’t smiling or laughing with the rest of the floor. I know he’s going to be extremely missed especially by me. Until we meet again buddy, Rest in peace.”
Fiornascente was also a part of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program, which is how he met Sarah Van Heusen, a sophomore anthropology and elementary education major. “Brandon was the sweetest guy I have ever met,” said Van Heusen. “He did everything he could to help others and make sure they were happy. He was smart and had a great life ahead of him. He was always there for the EOF group when we had hard times during the summer.”
“One of the most sad things that can happen on a campus is the loss of one of our colleagues …” said President Paul. R. Brown. He continued to explain that the University is currently discussing holding a type of public memorial, but they are deferring to Fiornascente’s family first.
Friends and family members of Fiornascente, along with students have been posting their condolences and kind words on his Facebook page ever since his sudden death. Patricia Fiornascente commented on his page saying, “I am so brokenhearted over the loss of my nephew Brandon Fiornascente the pain is so deep my home will never be the same without sweet thoughtful Brandon. I want him home so bad….I will miss him profoundly …”
People were able to pay their respects in Montclair, NJ this past Sunday at the Caggiano Memorial Home and Monday at the Immaculate Conception Church. Caggiano Memorial Home created an online page where people can find out information about the services and also leave condolences or light a virtual candle for Fiornascente.
“Our department is deeply saddened at the loss of one of our students. Any loss of life is tragic, but it is particularly difficult when a life is cut short at such a young age. Our thoughts are with Brandon’s family, friends and fellow students,” said Dr. Gary Lewandowski, Chair of the Psychology Department.
“The loss of such a young person is truly tragic,” read Nagy’s email. “Please take a moment today, in your own way, to think about Brandon and his family and friends.”
Van Heusen said, “I don’t think anyone who knew [Fiornascente] could say anything bad about him. I hope he finds his peace in heaven. He’ll always be missed and thought of.”
PHOTO TAKEN from caggianomemorial.com
