By Katie Vasquez
St John’s University remembering a life filled with faith, family and basketball.
The Catholic college celebrated a funeral mass for Coach Lou Carnesecca, who died at the age of 99, five weeks shy of his 100th birthday.
“What a life, what a legacy, what a man,” said St John’s University president, Father Brian Shanley, OP.
He was known as a true St John’s man, leading the men’s basketball team to 526 wins over 24 seasons. Former St John’s basketball player Billy Schaeffer offered the eulogy, speaking about how he admired the coach’s style on the court.
“He would be running a fast break, or playing defense from the sidelines. Sometimes he would even be on the floor,” said Schaeffer.
But it was his actions on and off the court that caught the world’s attention.
In a tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter, Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan said, “in a fatherly way he also followed his players–showing interest in their careers and their lives.”
There were fond memories shared of his time with students at his funeral, including one season where things weren’t going well.
“He called the sports psychologist in and it didn’t work. and finally he said “I got the answer one word, graduation,” said Campus Minister for Athletics at St John’s University, Father Richard Rock, CM.
Lou was also a man of great faith, living out the Vincentian mission of St John’s.
“The church lost a child of god, who loved the church, who loved to receive the Eucharist which gave him strength to do all the things,” said Father Rock.
While Lou came to his eternal rest, his legacy continues at the Queens campus, with an arena that bears his name and a statue in the lobby showing him fist-pumping.
Those that knew him say they will always remember his kind soul.
“He didn’t just teach basketball, he taught about life with grace and warmth and wit,” said Father Shanley.
“We love you coach, and we will never forget you, how could we?” said Schaeffer.
St John’s plans to continue honoring coach Carnesecca with events through January 11th, including a celebration for what would have been his 100th birthday.