Farmingdale State Remembers Kyle Underhill

Farmingdale State College faculty and students are grieving freshman Kyle Underhill, whose body was found in a marsh in Islip on Nov. 19.

The 18-year-old Islip teenager was last seen on Nov. 16. When he didn’t come home, his parents reported him missing and a search was issued by the Suffolk County Police. Underhill was pronounced dead at the scene when they found his body.

“The campus is deeply saddened by the death of Kyle Underhill and extends its condolences to Kyle's family and friends," said Patrick Calabria, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Farmingdale State. "We will provide any assistance that we can to Suffolk County Police as they continue their investigation and offer our support to the family during this most difficult time.”

He was known in the Islip community as a bus boy for Tellers Restaurant and for his  second job at a local bakery.

Underhill recently graduated from Islip High School and his yearbook quote caused some controversy, “I don’t think I’ve ever known so many people I hated so much all at once. See you in Abbadon.”

Farmingdale State is encouraging its students to seek help from the Office of Personal Counseling Services if needed.

Dr. Agnes Kalemaris was Underhill’s math teacher at Farmingdale State.

“The death of one of your students does cause very real pain," she said. "The tragic circumstances of Kyle Underhill’s death makes it even more difficult to bear."

Kalemaris said she will always remember how reluctant Underhill was to buy a calculator for her class, even though it was essential for the course. Underhill finally brought a calculator to class and Kalemaris remembers how eager he was to show her and get approval.

Kalemaris was among those who attended Underhill’s funeral.

“At the funeral, Kyle’s parents and other relatives gave a loving picture of his life, particularly with his family,” she said. “It was comforting to be able to see him as a more complete person.”