Maximilian Max Thomas Cardone RIT Student Dies by Suicide

Maximilian Thomas Cardone, a 21-year-old Rochester Institute of Technology cybersecurity student remembered for his quiet thoughtfulness and love of strategy games, died by suicide on October 21, 2026, Cannon Funeral Home reported.

Studying in the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, Cardone spent his time outside of coursework working as a teaching assistant in computer programming. Friends and family in Albany and Rochester knew him for his affinity for Steam video games, strategy board games like Kingdom Builder and Scrabble, and evening gatherings spent watching intentionally bad movies.

He is survived by his parents, Barbara Bromberg and stepfather Louis Bromberg, along with father Steven Cardone and stepmother Heather Cardone. His family also includes his brother Joseph, step-siblings Shane, Danielle, Riley, and Audrey, and grandparents Henry F. and Dorothy Walter and Richard and Christine Cardone.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cannon Funeral Home, located at 2020 Central Avenue in Colonie. Attendees are invited to wear casual clothes.

In an open acknowledgment of his death, Cardone’s family shared their loss publicly in the hope of encouraging others facing similar struggles to seek support. No family should have to endure such a young loss, and help remains available for anyone struggling with these feelings.

The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to support research, education, and advocacy efforts. Condolences may be shared through the Cannon Funeral Home website.