AGHS alumni, Dominic Lencioni (‘23), passed away in a tragic jet ski accident on September 7th at Shasta Lake, CA. Dominic brought love and happiness to many. He was welcomed with open arms wherever he stepped foot. It’s truly difficult to comprehend why this tragedy would have to happen to anybody at such a young age.
Dominic’s friends appreciated his “joyful” and “easygoing” nature. He was loved by many for “living each day to the fullest.”
“Dominic’s presence completed the room no matter where he was.” Matthew Petronella, Dominic’s best friend’s father said.
Dominic was close to almost everyone he met, connecting with his friends, teachers, and even those he met in passing up until the day of the accident.
“I got really lucky when this group of kids brought me in and decided that I was more cool… instead of just being a mean administrator,” AGHS Administrator Sara Osborne said regarding her connection with Dominic and his friends.
Osborne, upon entering the position of administrator, was scared to lose the special connection with students that she had built as a teacher. She met Dominic and his friends after her first year as an administrator.
“Dominic was the glue that held everybody together in the friend group,” Osborne said.
Dominic befriended many, creating flourishing relationships, and helping those who needed him most.
“Dom was a great friend. He would always make you feel welcomed or wanted by everyone,” Steven Petronella, Dominic’s best friend, said. “Whether or not [the destination] was a party or school, Dom was the one you wanted to go there for.”
Dominic the person, his values, and accomplishments were all honored in speeches from his friends and family during his celebration of life on September 21st at Grace Bible Church.
“It’s hard to understand why these tragic things happen. I am not sure we’re meant to understand them at all.” Max Alger, a speaker at Dominic’s celebration of life said.
“I don’t think I’ll ever know why Dom was taken from us at such a young age, but I do know that he served a good purpose while he was here. He left an impact that will have an everlasting effect on all of us.”
Those surrounding Dominic were horrified by such news about the person many of them had held dear. It was not only his personality and friendship that benefited those around him, but the values he upheld throughout his daily life.
“He was one of the greatest friends I’ve ever had. My friendship with Dom is one of the reasons I am who I am today. There’s many ways [that] I wish I was more like Dom. He was one of the happiest people I have ever met and seem to enjoy every moment of his life,” Alger said.
Dominic touched the lives of many, contributing a smile, encouragement, and joy, he truly made the world a better place altogether.
Although many of us share this incredible grief, it is important that we, in turn, remember Dominic’s love of adventure. For he would want us to venture back to the snow, jump the water, and enjoy our adventurous times in remembrance of him.
“Dominic would want us all to live life how we want to and to keep having fun; hanging out with friends, traveling, whatever makes you happiest,” Steven said.
Grief manifests in many different ways, As we navigate indescribable grief, each and every one of us can help by bringing condolences to his friends, his parents, extended family, and everyone else that he impacted during his time with us.
