T’Naus Nieto
The Chronicle-News
On the evening of September 9, Trinidad Middle School held a candlelight vigil to honor and remember assistant principal Michael Guadagnoli, who passed away from cancer earlier in the month.
The district said in the announcement of the vigil, “This will be a time of reflection, unity, and support for one another as we find strength in our shared love and memories.”
The school also announced the district closure on Wednesday, September 11, to allow staff and students to pay their respects and attend services.
“Michael was not just a dear co-worker but a true friend who became like family,” principal Deana Pachelli said. “I treasured our friendship and professional relationship. We worked side by side for 16 years through thick and thin. His work ethic was unmatched, and he was always dedicated and passionate about everything he did, especially with the students. A devout Catholic, his faith was evident in how he lived and treated others. A talented musician, Michael brought joy to every room with his love of music. His loyalty, warmth, kindness, and laughter made him the true friend he was to me and many others. He was more than a colleague. He was a friend for life, whose presence will be deeply missed but whose memory will never die and forever inspire.”
On September 3, Trinidad School District 1 first announced the passing of the assistant principal and said, “It is with heaviest heart that we share some very sad news with you. Our beloved Trinidad Middle School Assistant Principal, Mr. Guadagnoli, has passed away after a brave and courageous fight against cancer. Our school counselors and teachers are here to support the students, and Health Solutions is also available for support.”
Former Trinidad High School principal Jenn Sanchez-Mason said, “I had the privilege of being Michael’s high school English teacher in 1991. He always had a contagious smile, a sparkle in his eye, and a love for life. I then had the honor of being his colleague when he became the Assistant Principal at TMS. He loved that job, and the job loved him. He truly cared about his students. On a personal note, Michael, whom I fondly called Jose, was among the most devout and loyal Catholics I have ever met. His love for God and his faith were one of his most admirable characteristics. Michael will be dearly missed. He will always be in my heart.”
“Michael, with his unwavering faith and infectious humor, touched our lives deeply,” former Trinidad Police chief and student resource officer Charles Glorioso said. “He had a special way of making each of us feel truly valued and cherished. In every shared laugh and heartfelt moment, he brought us immeasurable joy. He will be missed.”
School counselor Kristina Vezzani provided The Chronicle-News with a written sentiment. In it, she said, “Mr. Guadagnoli is best explained as that best friend or that favorite cousin you didn’t need to see or talk to every day, but you knew, without a doubt, he would always be there. Michael was a man of kindness who was full of love and laughter. He had the most infectious laugh, and we shared many, many of those laughs together. I will never forget that laugh or that smile. His bravery is immense, and his faith was the core of his being.
“I was blessed to have had Michael in my life from the time we entered the fourth grade. We transferred from private to public school during the same year. We were classmates, friends, sometimes enemies, and most of the time, we were like siblings. We loved one another dearly, but we knew how to push the other’s buttons.
“There are not many people in this lifetime we can hold in a personal, professional, and familial relationship, but Michael is that person for me. I am grateful for the 11 years we worked together and truly thankful that I was fortunate to have him in my life for the amount of time I did. Michael, I will and have missed you. You are definitely one of the great ones.”
