Mt. Kisco Native — Dancer — Dies At 20, Mourned By Many

MT. KISCO, NY — The community and beyond is mourning the death of Julianna "JJ" Sannino, who died April 3 at age 20.

She had been pursuing her master's degree in elementary education at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., and she was also a dancer there. Sannino grew up in Mt. Kisco.

“A gifted dancer and choreographer, JJ earned national recognition by the age of sixteen,” her obituary at Cassidy-Flynn Funeral Directors says. “Her creativity and dedication led her to the Sacred Heart University Dance Company's Choreography Fellowship Program, where she combined her love of dance with her passion for teaching.”

According to her obituary, in addition to dancing and teaching, Sannino enjoyed mentoring, tutoring, skiing, reading and writing poetry.

"She found so much joy in teaching. Since she was young, JJ would return home with vibrant stories of her day, whether she was helping at her local churches, coaching the Seven Bridges swim team, or giving back to her community through mentoring and tutoring," the obituary says.

The university’s dance program posted on its Instagram page that it is “heartbroken” by the loss of Sannino.

“Her talent, kindness, and determination to dance with all of her soul will forever live in our hearts,” the post said.

The community has rallied to assist the family as a GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched. Money raised through the GoFundMe campaign will help support Sannino’s family. She leaves behind her mother Desiree, father Dominick, and two siblings, Sammy and Nick.

“We are heartbroken, united in grief, and holding tightly to each other as we navigate the pain of this unimaginable loss,” the fundraiser says. “JJ will be deeply missed, but we are certain her radiant light will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser had raised $16,933 via 128 donations, out of a goal of $25,000.

Visit the GoFundMe page here.

View the full obituary here.