The News Staff
The College of the Holy Cross community is mourning the loss of Dominick Tocci ‘27, who passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 following a kayaking accident on Lake Hayward in East Haddam, Connecticut. In a statement to the campus community, college officials extended their deepest condolences, sympathy, and prayers to Tocci’s family, friends, and all who knew him. He will be remembered as “a political science major from Woodstock, CT, and a graduate of The Woodstock Academy, where he played baseball, participated in Model UN and Debate, and served as a volunteer firefighter.”
At Holy Cross, Dominick had a meaningful impact on the community through his extracurricular involvement. He “studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and will be remembered for his strong involvement in intramural sports, WCHC sports, as well as with the Chaplains Office.”
A Mass of Remembrance was held for Dominick on Thursday, March 26 at 9 p.m. in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel. All community members were welcome to attend to pay their respects to Dominick and his family. Additionally, Calling Hours took place on Saturday, March 28, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Gilman Funeral Home in Putnam, Connecticut, and Dominick’s funeral Mass was held on Monday, March 30, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary of the Hills in Boylston, Massachusetts.
For students seeking additional emotional support during this time of immense grief, the College has expanded support hours by opening Campion House, the Office of the College Chaplains, as a staffed drop-in space, with scheduled appointments available. Students can schedule an appointment to speak with a chaplain by calling 508-793-2448. Additionally, the College encourages students in need of extra support to visit Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), for both scheduled appointments, and drop-in hours, or utilize the 24/7 crisis support lines. To schedule an appointment with CAPS, students may call 508-793-3363 or call 1-855-418-7282 for the 24/7 on-call crisis counseling service.
As the Holy Cross community grieves this profound loss, students, faculty, and community members are encouraged to support one another while remembering and honoring Dominick Tocci.
Featured image courtesy of Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory
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