Professor Jeffrey Warner
Courtesy of: sbu.edu
BY: MORGAN KILGER, FEATURES EDITOR
Jeffrey Warner, an adjunct Spanish professor at Bonaventure, lost his battle with stage four pancreatic cancer on Oct. 13. He passed in his home surrounded by family.
Warner loved Bonaventure — he always told his students. After growing up in Portville, New York, he attended Bonaventure and graduated with a degree in English in 1985. He taught at Andover Central School and coached soccer for several years before returning to Bonaventure.
“It was devastating to hear of his passing, incredibly so quickly after his diagnosis,” said Dominic Puccinelli, second cousin to Warner.
The sophomore journalism major said he saw Warner as both an amazing professor and family member.
“Warner was an incredible professor and incredibly sincere,” said Puccinelli. “He was a great father to his children and his grandchildren.”
Students, both past and present, said they adored Warner as a professor. Bella George, ‘23, said she was heartbroken to find out that one of her favorite professors had passed.
“He will have a lasting impression on me as a person,” said George. “I am heartbroken for his friends and family because he was the most positive light and cared for those around him. I will forever be grateful for the relationship I had with Warner.”
In April 2024, Warner received the Adjunct Faculty Award for Professional Excellence. This award reflects the relationship he held with many of his students.
“He was always willing to lend a helping hand and loved when students reached out for help,” said George.
Despite only taking one Spanish class with Warner, George said she adored his teaching style. She said Warner’s kindness and encouragement gave her the confidence to keep trying to learn the Spanish language.
“He was truly an inspiration to me with how positive he was, always had a smile on his face each class, always so energetic, and truly cared about each and every one of his students,” said George.
