St. John's basketball legends attend Lou Carnesecca's funeral to say goodbye to their iconic coach
NEW YORK -- Hundreds walked with a purpose to say goodbye to Lou Carnesecca, the legendary St. John's University basketball coach who embodied the best of New York City, at his funeral on Friday.
Carnesecca's funeral was held at St. Thomas More Church, on the St. John's campus, in Queens after his death at 99 years old last weekend, a month before his 100th birthday.
He patrolled the sidelines at St. John's, his alma mater, from 1965 to 1970 and then again from 1973 to 1992, always in one of his iconic sweaters.
More than just a coach
Carnesecca was more than just a coach in a woolen sweater. He was a symbol of everything New York City aspires to be: tough, unrelenting and full of heart.
"His name, Coach Carnesecca's name is part of the legacy. Got kids off the street and molded them into men. And taught us life lessons. Made us better basketball players, but made us better people," Bill Wennington said.
"I've had my share of challenges. He was always there for me. Honest, direct, but also with care and love," said Chris Mullin.
Carnesecca's career was decorated with accolades. He won over 500 games, coached in the Final Four and never had a losing season. He was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
"The Big East wouldn't be the Big East without Louie. I can't think of St. John's without thinking of Louie," said P. J. Carlesimo.
"Coach was my guy. He helped me in ways nobody else could"
Carnesecca was New York to the bone - a kid from Queens who brought pride to a city yearning for heroes. His famous sweaters, colorful and loud, matched his vibrant personality. But his greatest achievements were not woven in fabric. They were found in the lives he uplifted.
"Forget about basketball. It's who they are today, and he did a lot for a lot of people. He was one of the greatest persons I've known. I don't mean to break down, but this is a hard day for everybody. Coach was my guy. He helped me in ways nobody else could," Walter Berry said.
Legacy at St. John's
Carnesecca was active with St. John's as recently as when Rick Pitino was introduced as the new head coach in 2023. The school dedicated a statue to him before the 2021-2022 season, and the campus arena was renamed Carnesecca Arena in 2004.
St. John's said he "endeared himself to generations of New Yorkers with his wit and warmth."
Carnesecca leaves behind his wife of 73 years, Mary, as well as daughter Enes and son-in-law Gerard, a granddaughter, niece and nephew in addition to extended family, the school said.
It may feel like the city lost a piece of itself. But like all great New Yorkers, Carnesecca will endure.
