To know John Caveny was to know a passionate man with an enduring love of his family, his community and athletics.  John passed away on Wednesday.  He lived a loving, fulfilling and rewarding life with his wife Bonnie and family in Vestal.

John was well-known throughout our community.  He came to the area after a stellar athletic career at LeMoyne College in Syracuse.  A 1962 graduate of St. John the Evangelist High School in Syracuse John went on to become one of LeMoyne's all-time great athletes.  He was the captain of both the school's basketball and baseball teams during his senior year.  He scored 1,057 points and averaged 16.5 points per game over his career on the hardwood at LeMoyne.

Caveny continued his love for basketball competing for year's in the YMCA's men's leagues.  He coached St. Patrick's teams in CYO basketball as well.  He worked as color commentator on Binghamton University men's basketball broadcasts on News Radio 1290 WNBF for five seasons as the Bearcats ushered in Division I competition.  John joined me on trips all over the country including visits to Oklahoma and Providence.  He also served as the Master of Ceremonies at numerous Binghamton University events.  In recent years he assisted with the boys basketball team at Binghamton High School.

John had a lengthy career working for Marcellus Casket Company.  He told me when he retired one of his goals was to play golf everyday.  He did his best to fulfill that pledge playing on numerous courses around the area as well as joining his sons and other family members and friends for outings all over the country. On rainy days or days when a round of golf wasn't on the schedule you could find John getting a workout in at the Court Jester in Johnson City.  He was also a key figure in the establishment of the Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame.  A scholarship honoring his contribution to that founding was established earlier this year.

John always had a story or joke to put a smile on the faces of those he dealt with whether in business or athletics. He attended  many Binghamton University baseball games as well and will be sadly missed by our community.

Friends will be received on Monday from 4 to 7 P.M. at J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home,141 Main Street in Binghamton with a Funeral Mass to be held at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church on Clubhouse Road in Vestal at 10 A.M. on Tuesday.

 

 

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