Mike Parnell cause of death: Mike Parnell, 45-year-old, Utica College men’s lacrosse coach, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. On Thursday, November 2, 2021, Laura Salvaggio a resident of Utica, New York, post a tribute for Mike on Facebook. Tonight UC lost our lacrosse coach to Covid. She wrote. I’m sure he was a great coach in terms of the sport but I will miss him sorely as a partner in educational motivation. The post continued.
He is longtime resident of Utica, New York, in 2002, he graduated from Utica College a private university in Utica, New York. The history of the college dates back to the 1930s when Syracuse University began offering extension courses in the Utica area. from 2001 to 2003, he served as assistant coach for the men’s lacrosse program. He was a member of the Utica College community for quite some time. he served as assistant coach for the men’s lacrosse program from 2001-2003,
He became the only second head coach in program history. He served as the head coach of the men’s team for the last 14 seasons. He previously spent time coaching at Jefferson Community College, Colgate University, Brown University and the Chicago Machine of the MLL (Major League Lacrosse) before settling down at Utica College,
Below are some of the tribute shared on social media.
Laura Salvaggio, Tonight UC lost our lacrosse coach to Covid. I’m sure he was a great coach in terms of the sport but I will miss him sorely as a partner in educational motivation. Whenever one of his players was in my class I knew I could count on him to help whip them into shape if they started slacking. And when his students excelled in my classes he took joy in using that information to build them up. I will greatly miss Mike Parnell as a colleague. RIP my friend.
Erin Gaffney, Through high school and college this guy helped keep me on my path! Always a kind, funny, real friend. My best memory will be when we were at UC and he said to me “Remember who you are. You’re Erin Gaffney. You got this!” He may have diverted me from doing a few crazy things during my college days too…..always looking out for me! Our South Jeff, JCC, and Utica College families have suffered a tremendous loss today. Please keep Mike’s beautiful wife in your prayers as she navigates through these unthinkable times. Fly high Mike Parnell. You will be missed more than you know!
Mike Parnell’s obituary and memorial will be organized by the family.