Antonio “Anthony” DiGennaro, a junior at Fordham College at Rose Hill, died Saturday, May 11, after a long illness. DiGennaro, a resident of Pawling, N.Y., was an information sciences major, and would have celebrated his 23rd birthday in June.
“Our hearts go out to Anthony and his family today,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham. “It is hard—and deeply saddening—to imagine living nearly half of one’s young life with a major illness, and struggling to accomplish what many of us take for granted. I know the Fordham family joins me in keeping Anthony and his grieving family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”
The University conferred an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree upon DiGennaro at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx on Friday, May 10.
Fordham held a mass of remembrance onMonday, May 13, in Our Lady’s Chapel, University Church, at 7:30 p.m. Staff from Counseling and Psychological Services and Campus Ministry will be on hand for anyone who wishes to speak to them.
A wake for DiGennaro was held on Wednesday, May 15, at Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, N.Y., from 3 to 9 p.m. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 16, at St. John’s Church, 31 East Main Street, Pawling, N.Y.
To reserve seats for either day, please contact Kimberly Russell, assistant dean of students and director of residential life, at: (718) 817-3080 or [email protected].
Counseling at Rose Hill is also available from Counseling and Psychological Services in the basement of O’Hare Hall: (718) 817-3725, or by calling Campus Ministry at (718) 817-4500. Students may also contact Christopher Rodgers, dean of students at Rose Hill, at (718) 817-4755, or their resident assistant or resident director for assistance. Members of the University community can also call Rose Hill Security at any time at (718) 817-2222 with questions about counseling services or requests for assistance.
DiGennaro is survived by his mother, Rose DiGennaro, and sisters Giovana DiGennaro and Maria DiGennaro. Condolences may be sent to the DiGennaro Family care of Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, N.Y. 10509.
