Police identify fatal crash victim as Glen-Worden Principal Nicholas Criscone

SCHENECTADY COUNTY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) – The Glen-Worden Elementary School Principal Nicholas J. Criscone, 50, has passed away. State Police on Monday said Criscone died in a fatal accident near Stage Road in Charlton on Saturday, which is still under investigation.

Police said the accident happened around 5:30 a.m., and Troopers arrived on the scene to a vehicle fully engulfed by flames. Troopers added that during a preliminary investigation, Criscone was driving south on Stage Road, left the road, hit a tree, and caught fire.

The school district said his death was sudden and has deeply shaken the school community, as they are mourning the passing of what they say was a dedicated educator, leader, and friend.

The district superintendent Susan M. Swartz put out a letter on the Scotia-Glenville Central School District webpage on Sunday. In the letter, Swartz remembered Criscone and shed light on available grief resources for staff and students.

Swartz wrote in a letter of the “tragic and untimely passing” of their elementary school principal.

“Principal Criscone was not just a principal; he was the heart and soul of Glen-Worden Elementary School,” Swartz wrote.

Swartz goes on to emphasize Criscone’s passion and unwavering commitment to the school’s community. Asking the community to remember him for his genuine care for everyone.

“Whether with his staff and students, colleagues, or his beloved family, Nick selflessly gave of himself and his talents,” Swartz noted, “Please honor his memory and dedication by continuing to uphold the values of excellence, compassion, and unity that he brought to our school community.”

The district says grief counselors will be available at the Sacandaga Library Media Center. Parent-teacher associations shared the tragedy on Facebook to remember Criscone.

Debi Ryan, a member of the Scotia-Glenville community, says she grew up across the street from Criscone many years ago and has seen him evolve into what she says calls an amazing principal as her daughter and grand cousins went through the district during his time.

“I have always heard positive things about him,” Ryan said. “His name is the one that sticks out to me as far as the principal of Glen-Worden. I couldn’t tell you who the other principals of Glen- Worden were.”

Criscone was formerly employed at Mayfield Elementary School. Ryan said his death will impact the entire community.

“It’s really going to impact the district,” Ryan said. “Not just Glen-Worden. I think it’s going to impact the whole Scotia-Glenville District. Kids that have moved on from the elementary school and are even in the middle school and high school.”

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