‘Universally Loved’: Siena, Upstate NY Community Grieves Coach Gleason

Siena Community Mourns the Loss of Men’s Lacrosse Coach

The Siena College community, the Capital Region, and the wider lacrosse world are grieving after the university announced the passing of men’s lacrosse coach Liam Gleason.  Gleason, sadly, died on Wednesday from injuries sustained in an accident at his home; he was just 41.

Described as a beloved leader, mentor, husband, and father, Gleason spent seven seasons guiding the Saints and was widely admired for his heart, humor, and ability to lift every person around him. Siena President Chuck Seifert called his death a “sudden, senseless loss” and said it brought “a kind of pain that defies understanding.”

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Gleason is survived by his wife of 12 years, Jaclyn, and their three children, Kennedy, Penn, and Tate, as well as his parents, Kevin and Susan, his brother, Brendan, and their extended family.

Community Support Pours In — GoFundMe Nears $750K

In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, friends of the Gleason family launched a GoFundMe to support Jaclyn and the children as they face the emotional and financial challenges ahead. The community's response has been overwhelming.

As of today, the fundraiser has surpassed $573,000 of its $750,000 goal, with over 4,500 donations.

The GoFundMe story describes Liam as “the best father, husband, brother, son, brother-in-law, uncle, coach, and friend,” a man with “a heart as big as his 6’5 frame” and a light to everyone who knew him.

Organizer Julia F. shared a heartbreaking update last night:

“We are heartbroken to announce that Liam has passed away peacefully surrounded by family today, December 3. Liam was passionate about being an organ donor and will be giving life to others through the donation of his organs.”

A photo from his Hero Walk at Albany Medical Center accompanied the announcement, a final testament to the impact he continues to have even in passing.

Celebrating a Life of Leadership and Love

The public is invited to pay their respects at a funeral service on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the UHY Center on the Siena University campus.

Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio said the Saints are devastated:

“Liam was an amazing human being, a great teammate in the department, and made Siena a better place.”

Originally from Wading River, New York, Gleason graduated from the University at Albany in 2007 and first began coaching at Siena as an assistant from 2008 to 2010 before returning years later to lead the program he loved.

Siena and the entire Capital Region mourn the loss of a tremendous leader and celebrate the legacy of a man whose kindness, strength, and spirit will live on in the people he inspired.