In Memoriam: Reece Thibault

The following message was sent to the campus community on July 23, 2025:

Dear Middlebury Community,

I am writing to share the sad news that a part-time staff member, Reece Thibault, died unexpectedly on July 17 in Leicester at age 17. A rising senior at Middlebury Union High School, Reece worked in a variety of roles in dining and custodial services at Middlebury College and the Bread Loaf School of English over the past three years.

Reece was well-liked by co-workers and students who interacted with him in his role as a dining services apprentice and on-call catering cook since 2023. Colleagues described him as warm, kind, and always friendly. Reece also worked as a summer custodial helper and a dining hall checker in Atwater Dining Hall.  

“Those of us who worked directly with Reece know how much he loved working at the college and how he would go out of his way to help in any situation, always with a smile on his face,” said Dan Detora, executive director, Food Service Operations. “His dedication to the dining department was extraordinary and he will be missed greatly.”

Reece was also active in the community participating in an international exchange program and playing sports at Middlebury Union High School. 

A wake will be held at Sanderson Funeral Home, 117 South Main Street in Middlebury, on Thursday, July 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. A GoFundMe page has been established in support of funeral expenses. 

Sincerely,

Alberto Citarella
Vice President for Finance and Administration