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Remembering John Passonno Remembering John Passonno

By Timothy Nolan

TIMOTHY NOLAN: Christian Brother’s Academy’s boy’s golf coach passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer. John Passonno was 78 years old, and he spent the final 34 coaching at CBA. But Athletic Director Buddy Wleklinski says his integrity, honesty and understanding will last far beyond.

BUDDY WLEKLINSKIi: John was just a true gentleman. So John embodied all those things. He loved the game of golf. He was a person of great character.

NOLAN: John was also competitive, winning 16 league titles at CBA. But above all, John believed teaching his boys the rules would take them a longer way. Just ask even his biggest rivals.

NEAL GREENFIELD: The game is more meaningful than the wins and so forth, and to respect the game. And he wouldn’t tolerate club throwing or foul language.

NOLAN: Aside from the competition, John was beloved by Greenfield and others both abroad, and in his own home.

DICK CAMPBELL: Ya know I just know how proud he was of his family and his wife Janice is just a really nice person.

NOLAN: Current Cazenovia boys golf coach Tom Murlin added that while he is new to the league, Passonno had a great laugh, one that could be heard one fairway over. From the course that will remember Coach John long after his passing, Tim Nolan, N-C-C News.

DEWITT, N.Y. (NCC News) – Christian Brothers Academy boys’ golf coach John Passonno passed away on Sunday. He was 78 years old.

“John was just a true gentlemen,” the Academy’s athletic director, Buddy Wleklinski, said. “So John embodied all those things. He loved the game of golf. He was a person of great character.”

Passonno coached at the Academy for 34 years, winning 16 league titles and nine Section III championships. He also served as rules expert at matches, respected for both his integrity and understanding.

Beyond the course, Passonno is remembered for always being out in the yard with his three children throwing a ball or shooting baskets. Passonno was a Syracuse men’s basketball season ticket holder as well. His daughter Jennifer played basketball at Boston College.

“Ya know I just know how proud he was of his family,” said former Skaneateles boys’ golf coach Dick Campbell.

 

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