Posted January 3, 2013

The entire North Colonie community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Blue Creek Elementary fifth-grader Vincenzo Rizzo. Vincenzo was an outgoing student who was well-loved by the entire Blue Creek School community.

Vincenzo’s family informed the district on Wednesday afternoon, January 2 that Vincenzo had died suddenly due to complications from a brief illness.

We realize that this could be a difficult time for some of our students, faculty or staff. The Blue Creek faculty will be speaking with the children this morning in class to explain to them what happened. A team of counselors will be at Blue Creek today, providing support as needed. We have provided resources below that you can use to help speak with your children should you need to.

Vincenzo was a wonderful member of the Blue Creek School community and the North Colonie community as well. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts go out to those whose lives he touched—his family, teachers and friends.

Parent Resources

Death and Grief in the Family: Tips for Parents [PDF] | En Espanol [PDF]

What to Say, What Not to Say [PDF]