Cranston Native, 26, Dies Unexpectedly in Virginia

The St. Bonaventure community is mourning the loss of Brian Moretti, assistant sports information director, who died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest Wednesday night.

Moretti, of Cranston, was in Richmond, Va., when he died.

"The Department extends its deepest sympathies to Brian's family and friends," the school said in a release.

Moretti began working at St. Bonaventure last fall. His primary responsibility in athletics was coverage and media relations for the women's basketball team, which is in Richmond preparing to begin play Friday in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.  He also worked closely with the men’s soccer and softball teams and assisted in public and media relations for all of St. Bonaventure’s teams. He recently had been promoted to director of marketing and promotions, a role he was to transition to following basketball season.

"The entire Athletics Department is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Brian Moretti," St. Bonaventure Director of Athletics Steve Watson said. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his parents, family and friends. Brian was a tireless worker, passionate about everything that he did, and a rising star in our profession. We will miss him in the Reilly Center every day." 

Prior to coming to St. Bonaventure, Brian served the previous two years on the external affairs staff in athletics at Canisius College, where he also completed his M.S. in Sport Administration.

A native of Cranston, R.I., Brian received his undergraduate degree in Sports/Entertainment/Event Management with a concentration in Sports Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. While at JWU, Brian was a member of the ice hockey team and served as a student assistant in the Department of Athletics. 

Funeral arrangements will be shared when they become available.

The following is a statement from Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade:

"The Atlantic 10 family is saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Brian Moretti. The thoughts and prayers of the entire A-10 are with Brian's family, the St. Bonaventure women's basketball team and the entire University community."

Tonight, the Bonnies will be wearing shoes in his honor.