Overview

• Lou Carnesecca, St. John’s iconic basketball coach, was celebrated at a funeral Mass attended by over 400 people, including former players, rival coaches, and school officials.
• Carnesecca, who coached St. John’s from 1965 to 1992, led the team to 526 wins and a Final Four appearance in 1985, cementing his legacy in college basketball and New York sports history.
• Speakers emphasized his influence beyond basketball, describing him as a mentor and father figure who taught life lessons and provided unwavering support to his players.
• Generations of athletes, including those he never coached, credited Carnesecca for shaping St. John’s culture and inspiring them to succeed on and off the court.
• Known for his warmth, humor, and humility, Carnesecca remained a beloved presence at St. John’s long after retiring, symbolizing the spirit of the program and its community.