Obituary of John L. Ksionzyk

John L. Ksionzyk “loving husband, father, grandfather, coach” Allegany, NY—John L. Ksionzyk of 4115 S. Nine Mile Rd., died Saturday (October 14, 2006) at The Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center Olean where he had resided since August. Born January 28, 1919 in Binghamton, NY he was the son of Joseph and Josephine Slezak Ksionzyk. On October 26, 1946 at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean he married June M. Woodard who predeceased him March 14, 2006. They had celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage. Mr. Ksionzyk was a veteran of WWII, having served in the US Army in the Pacific Theatre. He received his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. He was an accomplished athlete and played football in both the US Army and at St. Bonaventure University. He played minor league football in Scranton, PA and played minor league baseball in Wellsville, NY. In 1947 he was a professional football player in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams. He taught history and coached football in Sayre, PA for several years before coming to Olean High School. There he taught history, retiring in 1980. He also coached baseball and track at Olean High School and was the football coach from 1952 until 1969. In addition, he officiated at basketball games for a number of years and was an avid golfer, fly fisherman and hunter. Surviving are 2 daughters Carole (Nicholas) Amato of West Dundee, IL and Joan (Roger) Gillette of Rochester; 3 sons Lawrence Ksionzyk of Portland, OR, Paul (Diane) Ksionzyk of Olean and Thomas (Anne) Ksionzyk of Decatur, GA; 8 grandchildren; 1 sister Carolyn House of Keene Valley, NY; 1 brother Edward Ksionzyk of Windsor, NY and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by a sister Julia Ksionzyk and a brother Stanley Ksionzyk. Friends may gather with the family for a memorial visitation at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Wednesday from 4-7pm. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday (October 19, 2006) at 10:00am in St. John’s Church, Olean. Msgr. William Wangler, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Olean Sports Boosters C/O Don Scholla Olean High School 410 W. Sullivan St. Olean, NY 14760.