Hamilton community mourns Alexander Paganelli '12

by Jon Fung '12
NEWS EDITOR

In a tragic accident, Alexander Paganelli ’12 passed away on Sunday, Dec.19, 2010 as a result of serious injuries sustained from a car accident at home. Paganelli died after being involved in a one-car auto accident less than a mile from his house in Dover, Massachusetts on Thursday, Dec. 16. His accident took place late at night, and was discovered shortly before 7 a.m. by his sister when his she was leaving the house. Fire fighters worked for over half-an-hour to free him from the vehicle. After being removed from the wreckage, he was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital to undergo critical treatment. In addition to having hypothermia, Paganelli sustained further injuries that would require brain surgery. Sadly, his condition only worsened, and he passed away after a three-day battle.

Paganelli, affectionately known as “Alex” or “Pags,” was in his junior year at Hamilton College. Paganelli had spent the fall semester abroad on South Caicos Island, south of the Bahamas, at the School for Field Studies studying marine biology. A chemistry major with courseowork in pre-medical studies, Paganelli was an avid student. In addition to his rigorous course load, he was also a crucial member of the varsity lacrosse team and had contributed seven goals and an assist to help the Continentals go 10-4 last season. A selfless team player, Paganelli would play any position that was necessary for to ensure success for his team.

A curious learner and a tremendous athlete, Paganelli was a selfless and kind person. He had an infectious personality and was a loyal friend to many.

“He brought out the best in people, and he was someone you wanted to be around. I never met a person that did not like Pags because he was such a kind and generous person at heart,” said teammate Jon Leanos ’12. “No matter what the activity, he always believed he was going to excel… I could write twenty pages on how special a person Pags was and that still wouldn’t be enough.”

“[Paganelli] was a great kid who was loved by a lot of people. As a lacrosse player, I would categorize Alex as a selfless team first player with a great attitude. He loved to compete, play hard and have fun on the field. Those are the type of things we are going to try to emulate this season… and we will try to remember him that way. The team has done stuff internally and will dedicate this season to him,” said Men’s Head Lacrosse Coach Scott Barnard.

Luke Sadoff ’12 reflected, “Alex was a fun-loving, quirky energetic kid. He always put his all into everything and had a voracious appetite for life. He was the kind of athlete with a never say die attitude. He refused to give up and settle for anything but his best, and he gave 100 percent all the time.”

A memorial service was held for Paganelli on Dec. 22 in the Dover Church. Over 1,000 people attended Paganelli’s memorial service. In addition to family and friends, nearly every member of the Hamilton Men’s Lacrosse team, several Hamilton administrators, including Athletic Director Jon Hind, Dean of Students Nancy Thompson, Assistant Dean of Students for Campus Life and Director of Student Activities Lisa Magnarelli, Associate Director of Annual Giving Paul Ryan and Head Athletic Trainer Scott Siddon also attended the memorial service.

Paganelli leaves behind a lasting impact at Hamilton College. He has touched the lives of his teammates, professors, friends and other students on campus. Paganelli is survived by his father, Paul Paganelli, mother, Kerry O’Brien, sisters Lea, Siobahn and Tess, surrogate brother, Gaelan O’Brien, his paternal grandparents and his maternal grandmother. The Hamilton College community will remember and honor Paganelli at a memorial service on Monday Jan. 31 at noon in the Chapel.