Kathryn Jane Sirico

Kathryn “Kat” Sirico, beloved daughter, sibling, friend, mentor, and leader in the world of dance production, passed away on August 1, 2025, in a tragic workplace accident at Jacob’s Pillow in Massachusetts. Though Kat’s life was cut tragically short, Kat’s final days were spent in a place of purpose and connection. Kat’s legacy endures in every stage that lights up with Kat’s vision.

The response to Kat’s passing was immediate and profound. Tributes poured in from colleagues, students, and artists, each reflecting the same truth: Kat’s spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many.

Kat graduated from Old Saybrook High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Nazareth University. Kat pursued advanced education at the Yale School of Drama, a milestone carried with deep pride throughout a career defined by artistry, rigor, and innovation.

Kat was a Faculty Lecturer at the University of Rochester. Students and colleagues alike celebrated Kat’s “enthusiastic and deep love for dance” and remembered Kat as a “light of fierce generosity.”

Kat’s professional development reflected a lifelong commitment to empathy, safety, and the wellbeing of others. Kat approached both life and work with curiosity and compassion, believing that creativity could bring people together and make difficult things feel possible. These efforts reflected a devotion to inclusion, accessibility, and building compassionate spaces where everyone could belong.

Kat is survived by mother, Karen Sirico; siblings Kyrie-Inn, Joseph (Lisa), Jamie, Kristopher (Suzanne), Samantha (Christina), Mary, and Curtis (Alison); along with several nieces and nephews. Kat shared a particularly close connection with nephews Kristopher, through a shared love of theater, and Matthew, whose sports games brought Kat great joy. Kat was predeceased by father, Joseph, whose influence remained a steady part of Kat’s life.

A funeral will be held on November 1 at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with burial following at Riverside Cemetery. Afterward, a Buddhist remembrance ceremony will be held at the Stupa on Ingham Hill Road, a place that reflects Kat’s spiritual practice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kathryn “Kat” Sirico Scholarship Fund at Old Saybrook High School, ensuring that Kat’s legacy of mentorship, compassion, and creativity continues to shine for generations to come. https://bit.ly/kat-sirico-fund

In addition to the planned services, a memorial Mass will be held on January 18th at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Church, Old Saybrook. All are welcome.