We are sorry to share the news that Sean Riccard, a PhD student in the MCB department at the UConn Storrs campus passed away on January 27, 2026. Sean was from Plainville, Massachusetts and he entered UConn in fall 2022.
Through his graduate work, Sean has been listed as an author on two publications. Sean loved science and his research and continued to work even while fighting brain cancer. In his free time, Sean loved to keep busy, hanging out with friends, going to the movies or restaurants or just getting together. He was an avid Red Sox fan and loved to travel and had taken trips to Ireland, England and France in addition to Canada and many places in the US.
Family and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Roberts and Sons Funeral Home, 30 South Street, Foxborough, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:30 AM at St. Martha Catholic Church, 221 South Street, Plainville. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Foxborough, MA.
Condolences to Sean’s family can be sent to the Dean of Students Office, 233 Glenbrook Road, Unit-4062, Storrs, CT, 06269-4062.
The university has resources available for any student needing support during this difficult time. Any student who finds themselves in need of assistance should reach out to the offices listed below.
Student Health & Wellness Mental Health Services (SHaW), located on the 4th floor of Arjona, are available to students who may be seeking additional support. There are several ways students can connect with SHaW:
- To make an appointment with SHaW-Mental Health call 860-486-4700 (press 1 then press 2) or schedule a screening online.
- Call 833-308-3040 (US, Canada & the Caribbean) or 1-984-268-2016 (all other international locations) to access free and confidential mental health support 24/7/365.
- Let’s Talk Mental Health Office Hours is a drop-in service available to students, visit here for dates, times, and locations: Let's Talk | Student Health and Wellness (uconn.edu).
- Information about managing grief is located on the SHaW-Mental Health website
The staff in the Dean of Students in suite 102, Wilbur Cross are available to help students navigate this difficult time. Students can stop by during drop-in hours, no appointment needed at that time or they may call 860-486-3426 to request a meeting with an Assistant Dean.
Students at a regional campus needing support should reach out to SHaW or the Student Services staff on their home campus.
Staff and faculty, including Graduate Assistants are encouraged to reach out to UConn’s Employee Assistance Program if they are in need of support.
Please remember that as a university community we are here for each other. These messages are so difficult to share as the loss of a community member is never easy. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Olivia’s family and friends during this time.
Take care of yourself and reach out for help if needed.
Sincerely,
Fany Hannon, Ed.D
Dean of Students
For more information, contact: Dean of Students at dos.uconn.edu