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Dr. Sandra Ciocci
1956 - 2024
Dr. Sandra Ciocci
1956 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
Dr. Sandra Ciocci Obituary
Sandy was born July 9, 1956 in Ludlow, MA to Dino and Diva [Bravi] Ciocci. After attending Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, she advanced her education by obtaining a B.S. in Communications Disorders (Cum Laude) from UMass-Amherst, and an M.Ed. from Northeastern University and Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology from UMass-Amherst. Sandy was committed to her work at Bridgewater State University (BSU), where she worked for the last 29 years as a tenured professor as well as Chair of both the Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Sandy loved teaching and advising and was dedicated to her field, colleagues, and students. Many students credit Sandy as the reason they became Speech-Language Pathologists including her beloved niece, Kristen. Executive Vice President and Provost of BSU, Karim Ismaili, commented "Sandy touched the lives of faculty, students, and staff across campus. She would light up a room upon entrance and was a cheerleader for her students, celebrating their accomplishments with much joy."
During her career, Sandy served on committees and as a peer reviewer for a variety of educational purposes, presented at over seventy conferences, authored several articles in addition to multiple journal and book reviews, and attained many grants to further research and scholarship in her field. She was dedicated to advancing the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Sandy was a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the New England Council of Supervisors in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Sandy was equally devoted to her family and is survived by her brother, Dean Ciocci and his wife, Rachel, of Webster, MA, as well as her cherished nieces and nephews, Kristen Ciocci of Charleston, SC, Kendra Read, her husband, Dan, and their daughter, Eden Rose, of Plymouth, MA, Evan Ciocci of Arlington, VA and Jessica LaBossiere, her husband, Jonathan, and their children, Jack and Olivia of Land 'O Lakes, FL, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, more friends than we can count, and her darling dog, Dulcie.
A celebration of Sandy's life will be hosted by Bridgewater State University and her family on Monday, February 26th between 2:30 and 4:30 at Bridgewater State University in the Rondileau Student Union Grand Ballroom, located at 19 Park Ave., Bridgewater, MA 02325. Attendees should park in Lot G - West Campus Lot; please tell the attendant that you are there for the memorial for Sandy Ciocci. All are welcome!
The burial will be held on Tuesday, February 27th at 11a.m. at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road in Springfield, MA. Attendees will meet at the burial site. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dr. Sandra Ciocci Endowed Scholarship Fund at Bridgewater State University c/o the BSU Foundation, PO Box 42, Bridgewater, MA 02324 as a tribute to Sandy's legacy and love for the students and field of Speech-Language Pathology.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lily
July 2, 2024
I was fortunate enough to enjoy a semester learning from Dr. Ciocci. I had suffered an injury that left me on crutches and unable to participate in my athletics. She was kind, understanding, and always accommodating to me during my hard time. She celebrated my healing and provided me with support wherever possible. Even semesters later, she remembered me and asked me how I was. I feel so honored to have meet this wonderful lady.
Kaylee Fontaine
February 27, 2024
My sincerest condolences to the Ciocci family.
I was fortunate to have Dr. Ciocci for all but 1 semester at BSU. I never thought I could be so saddened by the loss of a professor, but she was so much more than that!
No matter what was going on in my life, somehow she was always able to make me smile. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have had her in my life. I think I can speak for all of her students, past and present when I say that she will be missed immensely.
matthew maderos
February 27, 2024
My Wife Maureen and I are heartbroken, Sandy was such a major part of our lives when we were at Bridgewater State, I was lucky to have known her for many years when I was a staff member at BSC, and have so many fond memories of visiting her office and talking for hours! Sandy had a way of connecting with you, The Motto of Bridgewater State is "Not to be ministered onto but to Minister" And I can't think of anyone better than Sandy living that motto every day in the way she taught and connected with students! May her memory live on in the students she influenced. May her family know she was so special and she made an impact on others!
Helen Anis
February 26, 2024
I knew Sandy as a student in my classes at Northeastern University and remained a colleague during our infrequent professional meetings. I was proud to see her professional progress and to know her as a person. She was a positive force in our field and a joy to talk with when we met and she will be remembered. I send condolences to her family and her colleagues.
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Barbara Phipps Ina
February 25, 2024
Barbara Phipps Ina
February 25, 2024
Barbara Phipps Ina
February 25, 2024
My deepest condolences to Dean and his family, BSU colleagues and students and friends on the untimely passing of Sandy.
I met Sandy through a mutual friend, Nancy, at UMass 50 years ago, where she was undoubtedly the most diligent and devoted student I've ever met. She used to put Saltine crackers between the pages of her textbooks to reward/motivate herself to read and study.
Although I haven't seen Sandy in more than 30 years, I've followed her career and life through our friend, so I know the impact she had on everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She will be missed by all.
Photos of Sandy as a young freshman/sophomore at UMass and at our graduation in May 1978.
Nancy Shaer
February 24, 2024
Little did I know that Sandra would significantly change my life...she was a wonderful friend and mentor at UMass. Post UMass, she introduced me to a western mass guy, Jim Shaer, who turned out to be my husband of 27 years, and for that I´m eternally grateful for having both Sandy and Jim in my life. She will be sadly missed by the many that knew her.
Lisa Gardner BSU `09
February 22, 2024
My sincerest condolences to the entire Ciocci Family, and the BSU SLP community. Dr Ciocci inspired my career and I owe so much of my professional growth to the strong foundation that she laid in me, and the care she took with her approach to academia. I feel tremendously blessed to have learned from her.
And still consistently think of her each time I get a McDonalds Diet Coke.
Ila
February 22, 2024
Dr. Ciocci was my teacher and as amazing woman. I am currently in Italy and wouldn't be here without her. She helped me apply to the study abroad program going to a place both our families have in common. She was so excited for me and I was equally excited to share my experiences with her when I returned. She was loving and sweet. My heart goes out to the family and I am sad to see her go. Ciocci will truly be missed.
Erin Gill
February 22, 2024
I had met Dr. Ciocci in March of last year. I had aspired to study Speech Language Pathology, but I had no idea where I wanted to go. When I had met her and she shared her views about the Deaf community and involving it within her practice, I instantly knew I wanted to learn from her. Dr. Sandra Ciocci was the whole reason why I came to Bridgewater State University. Things will never be the same without her. She was an absolutely, beautiful individual.
Theresa Nanigian
February 21, 2024
I only had the pleasure of meeting Sandy on two occasions. But even with this limited experience it was clear to me that Sandy had a very special quality - a generosity of spirit and an uncanny ability to make you feel that you were the only one in the room. Reading the messages left here, it´s clear that this feeling is shared by many. When someone good is gone, it´s terribly sad. When someone good is good far too early, it´s heartbreaking. My condolences go out to her brother Dean, extended family, friends, colleagues and past pupils. My hope is that the many lives she touched so deeply in her short life give you some comfort in mourning her passing.
mary connor
February 20, 2024
Sandy was like sunlight: warm, loved and necessary. The world will be a very different place without her. Rest with God, my friend.
Mary Connor
Daniel Kent
February 20, 2024
Sandra was one the kindest and sweetest teachers I've ever known. She treated everyone with such warmth and love that she had in her class. I knew her personally and she was always there for me and other students. To her family it's heartbreaking to know you've lost such a wonderful human that I can honestly say helped guide me to where I am today.
Marissa Morganelli
February 19, 2024
I was lucky enough to have Dr. Ciocci as both my professor and my advisor during my undergrad years at BSU. Simply put, to know her was to love her. To her family, I hope you all take comfort in the many memories her students will undoubtedly share with you in the coming weeks. She was truly such a special person and will be deeply missed.
Ciocci, thanks for everything- for teaching me so much, for pushing me to reach my full potential, for the pep talks, the advice, the (many, many, many) references, but most importantly, for the joy you brought to all of us each day. I am a better person for having had you in my life.
Lynne Yeamans
February 19, 2024
Sandy was a wonderful colleague. I recall her welcoming me to BSU when I joined the faculty. She will be missed.
J.Michael Bodi
February 19, 2024
Sandy was a warm and wonderful person. I enjoyed working with her at BSU and traveling with her in the middle East. Everyone who knew her loved her!
Elise Kight
February 19, 2024
I felt so blessed to have had Dr. Ciocci as a professor and mentor. She made everyone feel special and cared for. The word "Cheerleader " rings true! She cheered me on beyond the walls of Bridgewater State (then) College. Sending love to her family and friends
Dulce Goncalves
February 18, 2024
I was very lucky to be one of her students at Willie Ross School for the Deaf. Every speech therapy session was fun and a joy! To say her name, Ms. Ciocci, makes me and all who knows her smile! Sending love and hugs to her family.
Susan Kneeland Jackson
February 18, 2024
I´m devastated by this news. Sandy was my good friend in high school, she was a bridesmaid at my wedding, she spent time with my kids when they were little. Then life happened and we lost touch. To her family: I am so sorry for your loss, she was an amazing woman, I am blessed to have known her.
Mary Elizabeth McLaughlin Yager
February 18, 2024
I am so profoundly saddened to hear of Sandy's passing. She was my supervisor while I was a graduate student at UMASS-Amherst (as a student intern at Wille Ross School) in 1988 and later my advisor and supervisor after hiring me at WRS for my first year as a speech pathologist. She was not only a wonderful advisor but a great friend to me too. She was at my wedding and was a cheerleader and support for me through difficult times after. She and I talked a couple of years ago and tried to find a way to reconnect. I'm sorry that we never got the chance. My prayers go out to her family and friends. I hope they know that she was someone who was special and loved by everyone who knew her.
Lisa Watson
February 18, 2024
My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her. I worked with her at Willie Ross School way back when.
Aurora (Aurie) McCarty
February 18, 2024
It took only five minutes with Sandra to realize she was special. It was my privilege to call Sandy my friend.
Doreen Dragon Thibault
February 18, 2024
I went to school with Sandy! I believe she was in many years of homeroom! She was very pleasant always smiling! Prayers to her family!
Doreen (Dragon) Thibault
Dominic Zullo
February 18, 2024
She was more than just a professor. She was uplifting, hopeful, and wanted the best for all of her students. An incredible friend, mentor and advocate. She will be missed and I send my condolences to her close friends and family.
Tom Wu
February 18, 2024
Dr. Ciocci was a wonderful BSU faculty and a dedicated Department Chair. She will be deeply missed by BSU community. Deepest thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Kate Wallis
February 18, 2024
I only met her once and it was a pleasure to know her. We did have some laughs and great conversations that day. Hugs and prayers to Dean, Rachel and family. Xoxo
Victoria Gouveia
February 17, 2024
Dr. Ciocci is the main reason I became an audiologist. She was always there was the only one who truly believed in me. If it wasn´t for her, I don´t think I would have had the courage to get through school. Thank you Dr. Ciocci for being the loving, caring, and kind person you were. I promise to keep paying it forward
Lorraine Fournier
February 17, 2024
My deepest sympathy to
Sandy,s family
Lorraine Fournier
Evelyn Kuhns-Rankin
February 17, 2024
My heartfelt condolences for Sandra's family and her colleagues and students at BSU.
Dr. Gloria Moran
February 17, 2024
Sandra, there was always a hug, laughter caring that went with you wherever. One of the fondest memories is of riding into Petra on the horse drawn wagon! There is a huge hole in my heart today!
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21 Tinkham Road, Springfield, MA 01129
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