Saint Mary's College athletic department staff member and 1996 graduate Todd Ogorzelec peacefully passed away Wednesday morning after a brave battle with melanoma. He touched the lives of many in higher education and athletics and was highly respected by the student athletes, game officials, spirit groups, fans and students nationwide.

Todd was born in Arlington Heights, Ill. He moved with his family to Lafayette during his teen years and attended Acalanes High School where he was a Varsity letterman for 3 years in baseball, as well as playing trumpet in the Symphonic and Jazz bands. Todd graduated in 1992. After attending and graduating from Saint Mary's College with a BS in Business Administration, he joined the Athletic Department in 2000 eventually rising to Director of Athletic Events Operations.

A passionate wine and craft beer enthusiast, his enthusiasm for discovering quality small and obscure wineries and breweries will be sorely missed.

Todd is survived by his parents Paul and Ceil Ogorzelec of Lafayette, brothers Gregg of Los Angeles, and Kevin of Sunnyvale.

Friends and family are invited for a visitation at the chapel at Saint Mary's College on Tuesday August 5 at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to either Saint Mary's College: Gael Athletic Fund at PMB 4300, Moraga, CA 94575, or The Melanoma Research Foundation at Melanoma.org.