MORRISTOWN, NJ — As the Chester community mourns Erin Piacenti, 32, who was "senselessly" killed in Times Square this week, so does her Morristown alma mater.
While Piacenti (nee Guiltinan) grew up in Chester Township, the bank executive attended Villa Walsh Academy, an all-girl private school in Morristown.
More: 'Senseless' NYC Killing Prompts Support For Chester Woman's Newborn Daughter
It was there that Piacenti was taught Theology by Janet Hoven, who now serves as mayor of Chester Township and called the Monday incident a "tragic event."
Former principal of Villa Walsh, Sr. Patricia Pompa, said that Piacenti came from "a very loving and supportive family."
"She was a positive, caring, and joyful presence throughout our school community," Pompa told Patch. "Her contagious smile, strong faith, and love for learning, coupled with her many gifts and musical talents, enhanced the genuine goodness that accompanied her loving and compassionate spirit. This is what made Erin the extraordinary woman that she was."
English teacher JulieAnn Oliveros remembers Piacenti as "a hard worker, always willing to rise to a challenge, and kind."
In addition to being dedicated to her studies, Villa Walsh representatives say Piacenti was an impressive athlete. During all four years of high school, she participated in swimming and volleyball. Coaches and teammates remember her as "a supportive, dedicated team member who loved having fun."
"Erin was a fun-loving athlete and teammate, known for entertaining us with interesting stories on the bus rides home from volleyball matches," said volleyball coach Anneliese Yombor. "Erin and her younger sister, Kelly, loved playing volleyball."
Piacenti graduated from Villa Walsh Academy in 2012 and continued her studies at the University of Pennsylvania and later the Fordham University School of Law.
After marrying Frank Piacenti, another Chester native, in 2024, she would go on to become a Vice President at Bank of America and a mother.
On Piacenti's first day back from maternity leave, she was killed in a random stabbing incident by Pamela Cisneros, 49, of Queens, who also hospitalized a 68-year-old man during the spree. Cisneros was shot dead by NYPD officers, officials said.
After Piacenti left behind her five-month-old daughter, Madison, the community has come together to raise more than $700,000 for the newborn's future.
"To the people who knew and loved her, Erin was a thoughtful daughter and sister, a loyal friend, a devoted partner and companion in every aspect of Frank's life, and, most recently, an incredibly loving mother to Madison," the fundraiser reads. "Erin's life was defined not by the circumstances of her death, but instead by the way she lived. Erin was deeply devoted to her family and friends, exceptionally bright and accomplished, and was someone who brought warmth and energy to the people around her."
To donate to Madison's future, visit the GoFundMe here.
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