Jeet Patel remembered as ‘hard worker and model student’

AN aspiring, dynamic youth attending Norwich University in Vermont died unexpectedly on last Sunday, Norwich said in a communication to the students and their families.

Jeet Patel, 21, a high school graduate was in his junior year at the military college, where he was majoring in criminal justice.

The cause of Patel’s death is yet to be known. The case is under investigation by the medical examiner’s office, it noted, adding that the death did not occur on the college campus.

Funeral services were held at Beecher Bennet Funeral Home in Hamden.

Mark Anarumo, president of Norwich University, said in a notice: ‘We ask for privacy and respect for our community and for Jeet’s family, as we mourn this tremendous loss and work to understand the cause,’ ‘Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jeet’s family, friends and professors.’

Patel graduated from Sheehan in 2018, had plans to serve as company commander in 2022.

Patel was recalled this week as a hard worker and model student at Sheehan and Norwich. ‘We always found him to be a hard worker and team player,’ said Charles Farley, Patel’s track and field coach.

‘…Heading to the military academy was something that he wanted to do…He was a fun kid to be around, he kept things light.’

Sheehan Athletic Director Christopher Dailey said the loss is heartbreaking. He recalled him saying ‘always had a smile on his face and was a positive contributor to the Sheehan community,’ Dailey said.

‘Anyone who knew (Patel) has very great memories of him.’

Frank Vanecek, vice president of student affairs at Norwich, recognized Patel’s leadership abilities adding that the deceased was moving to serve as company commander for Band Company next year.

‘The commandant has to have complete confidence in that student in terms of ethics, ability to lead, to do the right thing,’ Vanecek said.

‘Additionally he was a very good academic student and in my estimation was a great image of a Norwich student. He wasn’t boisterous, he was quiet. He did the job and he did it well, and people noticed.’

Vanecek, who met Patel a few times following band concerts, said he was the kind of person that an institution wants representing them in the world.