Obituary: John DeCarolis

John DeCarolis

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John DeCarolis of Grand Island passed away on Aug. 21, 2026. He was the beloved husband of 57 years to Linda (nee Gladziszewski) DeCarolis; the devoted father of Joanna (Robert) Meisel, John DeCarolis Jr. and Carrie Hernly; the cherished "Papa" of Kieran John Meisel; John Mario, Sophia Ann and Matthew Joseph DeCarolis; and Linda Elizabeth, Richard Aubry and Charlie Holden Hernly; the dear brother of the late Mario (Terry), Joseph (Ruth), Olga (Robert) Walsh and Ronald DeCarolis; the brother-in-law of Marilyn DeCarolis, Cathi (late Tim) O'Connor, Richard Gladziszewski, James (Sally) Gladziszewski, John (Linda) Gladziszewski, Mary (Tom) Lukin and Kristen (Gregg) Gates. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

John was a 1957 graduate of Bennett High School, playing varsity basketball for three years. He was on the Yale Cup championship team of 1957. He played three years of varsity baseball, winning the Cornell Cup all three years. John was also selected the All-High second baseman in 1957 and was the winning pitcher in the 1956 championship game. He was inducted into the Bennett Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

John went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Cortland College in 1961 and then earned his Master of Science degree from Canisius College in 1973. John taught in the Ken-Ton School District for 32 years, where he coached varsity swimming, taking his team to the New York state championships. John served our great country as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

All are invited to attend a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. inside St. Stephen R.C. Church (Grand Island) on Saturday, Oct. 24. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be made to the Erie County SPCA.

Arrangements by the C. Mertz and Son Funeral Home Inc. Please share condolences at www.mertzfh.com.