Todd Morici, Jr. Obituary – Clifton, NJ: In Loving Memory of a Cherished Son, Friend, and Montclair Kimberley Academy Lifer
The community of Clifton, NJ, and the Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) family are mourning the devastating and untimely loss of Todd Morici, Jr., who tragically passed away following a skateboarding accident. Todd’s death has left an indescribable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him—family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all who were touched by his radiant spirit.
Todd was a true MKA “lifer”—a student who spent his entire academic journey at Montclair Kimberley Academy, where he was not only known but deeply loved. From his earliest days in the Lower School through to his final moments in the Upper School, Todd left an indelible mark on the community. He was the kind of young man who lit up a room, who brought energy and authenticity to every interaction, and who lived each day with curiosity, courage, and a free spirit that inspired others.
Those who knew Todd best describe him as vibrant, thoughtful, and deeply kind. His smile was magnetic, his humor quick and contagious. Whether he was skating down neighborhood streets, participating in school events, or hanging out with friends after class, Todd exuded a genuine warmth that drew people in. He had an ability to connect with others in a way that made them feel seen, heard, and valued.
At MKA, Todd embraced every aspect of school life. Teachers recall his intellectual curiosity, his insightful contributions in the classroom, and his ability to challenge ideas with respect and creativity. He was never afraid to ask questions or explore new perspectives, and he encouraged others to do the same. Outside the classroom, he was a loyal friend, a passionate skateboarder, and a constant source of encouragement and laughter for those around him.
Skateboarding was more than a hobby for Todd—it was a way of life. He loved the freedom, the challenge, the community it gave him. To watch him skate was to see someone completely in their element, expressing themselves with fluidity, style, and fearless joy. It was this passion that defined so much of who he was: someone unafraid to carve his own path, even if it meant falling, getting back up, and pushing forward with grit and grace.
The loss of Todd at such a young age is a tragedy that words struggle to contain. In the wake of his passing, the MKA community has come together in profound grief, holding vigils, sharing stories, and supporting one another through the pain. Counselors have been made available to students and staff, and the school is planning memorial events to honor Todd’s memory and celebrate the life he lived so fully, even if far too briefly.
Todd’s family—who stood by him with unwavering love and pride—are surrounded by a wave of support from friends, neighbors, and the wider Clifton and MKA communities. In the face of unimaginable sorrow, they have asked that Todd be remembered for who he was: a bright light, a fierce friend, a compassionate soul, and a young man with boundless promise.
Plans are underway to establish a memorial fund or scholarship in Todd’s name at MKA, one that will support future students who embody the same spirit of creativity, resilience, and heart that Todd brought into every corner of his life.
As we remember Todd Morici, Jr., we carry his legacy with us—in every act of kindness, in every daring dream, and in the friendships that remind us what it means to truly live. His life, though cut far too short, will continue to ripple outward through the memories and love he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, Todd. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.