John's Obituary
A Mass of Christian Burial for John Patrick Cannizzaro 71, of Newark, will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 11 A.M., Tuesday, January 23, 2024, with Fr. Mark Ghiloni as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance. Calling hours will be held at the church, 4-7 P.M., Monday, January 22, 2024, with a Sons of Italy Service held at 6:45 P.M. followed by a Vigil Service.
John passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024. He was born in Newark, Ohio on October 15, 1952, to the late John and Dorothy Cannizzaro who passed in 1977 and 1978.
A 1970 graduate of Newark Catholic High School, John attended The Ohio State University for two years prior to serving with the United States Army, (1972-1974) as a military policeman, stationed in Frankfurt, West Germany.
John served as head baseball coach at Newark Catholic High School from February 1985 until June 1992, returning in 2004 and continued to date. He was varsity assistant baseball coach at Pickerington High School from 1993-1997 and at Hebron Lakewood from 2000-2003. He was also involved in the local Babe Ruth League organization for several years. John had a deep appreciation and respect for his players. He wanted them to be successful. He loved coaching baseball and bringing out the best ability in each player.
During his 27 years with Newark Catholic Baseball, John led his teams to 12 league championships, 21 Central District titles, 14 regional tourney championships, 7 Ohio High School State Baseball crowns, and the Ohio High School State Baseball Coaches Association Class A State Poll Crown in 1986. He totaled 577 career wins.
He held several state coaching records to include 14 state tournament appearances, 25 state tournament games, 18 state tournament wins, and 7 state championship teams. His 18 championship teams are also a record inside the Central District.
John’s love of the game brought him recognition statewide. He was named to the Central District Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in October 2007, and to the Ohio State Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in January 2016. He was awarded 10 District Coach of the Year awards, one Ohio High School Coaches Association Division IV Coach of the Year and one National Federation Interscholastic Coach Association Outstanding Coach Award in 1989. He was inducted to the Newark Catholic High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in October 2021 and the Licking County League Hall of Fame in June 2023.
He will be greatly missed by his sisters, Jennifer Bolen of Akron, Jane Meese of Lancaster; brother, Rick (Mary Beth) Cannizzaro of Heath; niece, Kimberly Cannizzaro; nephew, Tony Cannizzaro; great-nephews, Ashton Cox and Cason Cannizzaro; step-niece Shannon (John) Lee and their children, John and Ellynn; first cousins, Cecilia Cannizzaro and James (Lynn) Cannizzaro and their families.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Newark Catholic Athletic Association, 1 Green Wave Drive, Newark, Ohio 43055.
REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, is assisting the family with arrangements. To share your memory of John or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com
