John J. DeVencenzo, 82, of Estero, Fla.

ESTERO, FLA. >> John J. DeVencenzo, 82, of Estero, Fla., originally from Canastota, passed away on April 25 at Joann’s House of Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, Fla. at the age of 82 in the presence of loved ones.

He was a graduate of Canastota High School, St. Bonaventure, and Indiana University. He retired from SUNY Morrisville in 1992 after 30 years as athletic director and wrestling coach. His wrestling program was very successful earning him over 245 victories and a place in the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame as well as the SUNY Morrisville Athletic Hall of Fame.

He was an avid golfer and was a member of Seven Oaks Golf Club in Hamilton, N.Y. for more than 30 years where he was a member of the “Clowns,” a band of brothers who gambled, argued and played golf twice a week rain or shine. After retirement, John became a snow- bird, settling in Estero, Fla. so he could play golf year round.

He leaves behind his beloved daughter, Jaid DeVencenzo of Greensboro, N.C.; good friend and former wife, Jana Johnson DeVencenzo of High Point, N.C.; sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Andy Mancini; sister-inlaw, Gloria DeVencenzo; nephews, Dan Mancini, Mark Mancini and his wife Kathleen Rapasadi and daughter Alexandra Mancini, all of Canastota; nephew Bob Mancini of New Jersey; and also his longtime loving partner, Shirley Perry of Cape Cod, Mass. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Rose DeVencenzo and his brother, Sam “Divy” DeVencenzo.

As per John’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 at St. Agatha’s Catholic Church in Canastota.