In Memoriam: Anna Servidio

Anna Faith Servidio, an honors student at the University of Delaware known for her compassion, intellect and leadership, passed away on Aug. 17, 2025. She was 21. She was a senior majoring in environmental science and a cherished member of the UD sailing team.

Ms. Servidio stood out in every space she entered.

"Anna was a shining star," said Michael Chajes, dean of the Honors College, who taught her honors colloquium course. "She was a leader in class discussions and gave an inspired final presentation on carbon pricing. Anna was committed to protecting our environment, and I was so impressed by the energy and commitment that fueled her passion for making the world a better place."

Raised in Connecticut, Ms. Servidio's love of nature began early.

"Anna's love of sailing began at an early age, and it was one of the activities she enjoyed the most at Delaware," said her father, Steve Servidio. She joined the UD sailing team her first year and quickly became not just a dedicated sailor, but a leader and mentor. "Watching her on the water and seeing her do what she loved so much brought incredible joy to my wife Jane and myself."

Boyfriend and teammate John Fulkerson, a senior in computer science, remembered their first regatta together.

"We didn't know each other well, had never raced together, but were stepping into an A-fleet boat," said Fulkerson. "From the moment we started that first race, it felt like we had been sailing together forever. From that moment on, she was my skipper."

Whether on the water, in class or walking across campus, Ms. Servidio left a lasting impression.

"She was truly the greatest friend anyone could have," said Savannah McMullen, a senior environmental science and ecoscience major. "She had the ability to make sure everyone felt loved, seen and appreciated."