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John Cunavelis Obituary
He was sports editor of the Vermont Sunday News, director of the Vermont Golden Gloves boxing tournament, driver ed and social studies teacher at Burlington Schools, and news writer for the Voice of America in Washington, D.C.
A native of St. Johnsbury, he worked in his father's popular ice cream parlor, The Concord Candy Kitchen, during his grade school and high school years in the '30s and '40s.
He joined the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II.
He attended the U. of Missouri, Syracuse U, and graduated from UVM in 1951.
He attended many SJA alumni reunions with his sister Helen (1940), and brother George (1941).
He was honored at Norwich University's annual Media Day and was inducted into the Vermont Principals Assoc. Hall of Fame.
He was predeceased by his stepson, Marine Lance Corporal Harmon Bove Jr., who was killed in Vietnam in 1970, wife Irene (Hodar), a native of Rutland, and his siblings, James, Helen and George. He leaves a daughter Kiki LeClair and a son Jake Cunavelis, both of South Burlington, stepsons, David Bove of Winter Haven, and Perry Bove of Burlington, and their spouses, and his 12 beloved grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on January 3, 2012, at Corbin & Palmer, 71 South Union St., Burlington.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cunavelis
Michael Agusta
January 20, 2013
The YMCA is just not the same since "Johnny's" passing, We all miss him so much. Johnny we yearns to say to you like you always greeted us "You're back" Johnny, The UVM Cats beat Stony Brook last friday. I bet you saw that game
Angela Fortier
January 18, 2013
I only got to know Pop for the last several years of his life. I am grateful I had the chance. He was a very quirky, smart and fun man to be around. I will miss the family gatherings without you bringing your own super health food :)
Catherine Metropoulos
January 11, 2013
Our deloved Yanni is already missed. A great man; loved dearly by our entire family. May he rest in peace with his beloved sister, Helen, and brother, George, whom we also love and miss dearly. We share in your loss. God Bless. Catherine Metropoulos
Suellen Bessette
January 4, 2013
Kiki, Jake and Family,
So sorry about your Dad's passing....You have so many cherished, loving, memories of your own and now many more from so many of your Dad's loving friends and colleagues, what a tribute.
Sending Love and Peace to all of you at this time.
Love,
Suellen Bessette & Family
Lance MacKenzie
January 4, 2013
It seemed any assignment I had on or near Church St, Mr. C would find me and give his enthusiastic greetings and then make a quick reference to an appearance I made on Letterman from 1997! What a terrific character and marvelous smile - you will be missed Mr. C - you will be missed.
Doug & Laurie Teator
January 1, 2013
I am very sad to hear about the passing of Mr. C. I grew up next door to him, Mrs. C, Jake, Kiki, Dave Harmie & Perry. I loved sports as a kid and still do. He would talk with me , ask sports questions and make me laugh. He also taught me to drive when at BHS - with his foot on the brake on the passenger side and much patience. I went to my first professional hockey game and baseball game in Montreal with him and Jake. We went to other local sporting events as well. Great childhood memories I feel very blessed to have known him. As an adult, I would see hi around town from time to time and he was always glad to see me, would ask what I am doing, would ask about the family and of course - what we did best was talk sports. I will never forget him. Thanks Mr. C - I will miss you. Jake, Kiki, Dave & Perry, the Teator family is sending our prayers and thoughts to you - our old friends and neighbors. God bless your Dad
Thomas Leavitt
December 31, 2012
Mr. Cunavelis made being a young athlete something of significance to Burlington kids of the '60s and '70s. When we achieved, he put us in the spotlight. I will never forget the article, "Another Frustrating Game for Len Whitehouse - Age 12", as our North Burlington LL All-Stars lost a controversial heartbreaker. Mr. C. implicitly understood the character-forming moments (Lenny went on to the big leagues). The history of Vermont sports has unfolded under the pen and witness of John Cunavelis. Diane and I send our heartfelt wishes to Kiki, Jake, Perry, and David for all the best of memories. A legend goes to his rightful rest.
December 31, 2012
I was sorry to read about John. I always enjoyed talking with him and brother George when at UVM basketball or Hall of Fame events. They will both be missed.
Susan Saunders
Walter Baumann
December 31, 2012
John was one of the great guys,always upbeat
with a smile and a positive comment.
Nina Jaffe
December 31, 2012
I could always count on a friendly chat with Mr. C. whenever I ran into him (always on Church St., of course!). He was one of a kind. Jake, Gina, you and your family are in my thoughts.
Carrie Savoy
December 31, 2012
Kiki and family - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I remember him fondly as my driver's ed teacher at CVU (and have told Emma about him as she is now learing to drive), and also seeing him over at your house when we were neighbors. He was a wonderful, kind person and will be missed.
Brenda K
December 30, 2012
Mr. C was my driver's Ed teacher at CVU many years ago (early 80's). I will always remember you as wearing a baseball cap and chewing on toothpicks, I have told my own children about you many times throughout the years and as I was teaching them to drive. You had a lot of patience with the students back then. My condolences to your family. You will be missed.
Steve Cormier
December 30, 2012
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Every time I bumped into John he had a smile on his face with a story to tell or a photo to show me. We have lost a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Chris Haley
December 30, 2012
What a great man, knew the answer to every sporting question you could ask. Our condolences -Chris and John Haley
Terry O'Brien
December 30, 2012
John was always a great supportive friend. We worked together at Burlington High for 6 years and became good friends. How could you not be John's friend !!! We left Burlington in 1978, but it was uncanny.... everytime we visited we would run into John, usually on Church St. He always had an interest in what our family was doing. John had a special zest to life in Burlington and, of course, the sports scene. It was a privilege to know him. I learned a lot about how to treat people from John and his personable ways and will continue benefit from that example the remainder of my life.
Jim Condon
December 30, 2012
Ginny and I were both sad to hear of John's passing. I used to call him the "Fantastic Johnny C." He was also "Mr. Burlington," and one of the kindest men you'd ever want to meet. He will be missed.
Bill Keogh
December 30, 2012
John often offered a positive response or constructive criticism on the City he loved. We will miss the presence of the "Mayor of Church St."
Michael and Karen Hathaway
December 30, 2012
This man is the most awesome man i have ever met. He was an awesome teacher and hugged us everytime he spotted us! We truly loved him and will never forget him. He was every ones dad ! thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time ,He will be truly missed !
Sally Hand
December 30, 2012
Jake and Gina, so sorry for yor loss.
December 30, 2012
Jake & Family: I was sorry to read about your dad's passing. I didn't know him personally although several times when he saw me on Church St. He would ask me how things were going with the Burlington International Games.After reading of his accomplishments I can understand where you got your dedication and perseverance and friendship when we worked together on the SB youth baseball program.
You are your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bruce O'Neill
The Villages, FL
Sue Benoit-Rahmati
December 30, 2012
Mr.C you taught me how to drive at CVU in the worse of conditions! I have mentioned your name more times than you can know in the last several months as I begin to teach my son! Rest In Peace, we will all remember you fondly. My condolences to the family.
Mike Towle
December 30, 2012
To all of the Cunavelis family, I extend my sincerest and deepest condolences. I'd lost track of how many years it had been since I last saw or spoke to John, but I remember him very well as a great guy with a lot of passion and a big heart.
He was one of my mentors in my early years as a sportswriter, beginning when I was attending Richford High School and later at Notre Dame, covering sports during the summer of 1975 for the Vermont Sunday News.
John played an instrumental role in nurturing the talents for three budding sportswriters all in the high school class of 1974---Gene Frenette out of Rice H.S. (and still a sports columnist in Jacksonville, Fla.), Kirk Faryniasz out of BFA-St. Albans (a retired Air Force officer in Florida reffing basketball games among other pursuits) and me (former sportswriter Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The National). I mention all this not to brag on us but to give testimony to how John touched our lives and helped shape our careers, as I know he did for dozens of others.
John, I expect to see your smiling face again someday and will do my best to have my sports copy fit to print. God bless you and all the Cunavelises.
John Goodrow
December 29, 2012
John was one of the nicest people I've ever met. I enjoyed visiting with him downtown when he was out with his crew on a sunny day. I first met him when I was a radio news reporter for WJOY. Walking up Church Street, I heard my name called, and it was Johnny C, but on that day, I had no idea who he was! That was over 25 years ago, and I have enjoyed John's company ever since, whether talking about family, sports, his love of Vermont, or the news of the day. What a great guy! I already miss him. He could put a smile on anyone's face.
Patti Heavner
December 29, 2012
Kiki and Jake and family, have many great memories of your family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Patti(Bullis)Heavner and Dick Heavner
R.j. Wagner
December 29, 2012
To KiKi,Jake and the entire Cunavelis family,Im deeply sadden to hear about your dad passing away.My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.He was a wonderful person. I enjoyed many talks with him while sitting on Church Street. Church Street will never be the same. Take Care
Rich Feeley
December 29, 2012
I was sorry to hear of John's passing. Like many folks in the Burlington area, I got to know John when he was a sports writer, and also greatly enjoyed meeting up with him for a chat on Church St. He was always very nice to me; a real gentleman.
My wife and I spend the winters in Ocala, Fl, and I got to know one of John's grandsons, Zach Bove (and his parents), who played baseball at a local junior college here in Ocala, and now coaches there.
I saw John this past summer sitting on a bench on Church St, and got a chance to speak with him about the "old days" in Burlington, and about Zack...it was special to see him that last time...always with the newspapers....
RIP, John..a Burlington original...he's up in heaven now, chatting with Harmon, and all the rest of the crew...
December 28, 2012
John was a very special person who I always enjoyed seeing and swapping stories. He was so much more than a genuine sports fan and was thoroughly enjoyed and respected by so many people. He will be missed. My sincere thoughts to his family.
Dick Cassani
December 28, 2012
A wonderful man that we will all miss seeing around town and on the athletic fields with newspaper in hand rushing in haste to his next activity! Wonderful man that showed us all how to live life to the fullest with a smile on your face and newspaper in hand! Our deepest sympathy to his children and grandchildren who will miss him dearly.
The Mowczan Family
Paul Danis
December 28, 2012
John, I will miss seeing you on Church St. next summer and always talking sports. My sympathy to the Cunavelis family. John had great respect for so many people. He will be missed.
Thea Lewis
December 28, 2012
A lovely man with a big heart and a great sense of humor. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. Burlington won't be the same without him.
Rick Farnham
December 28, 2012
My entire professional career in Coaching and Athletic Administration had a constant companion at all our events, John Cunavelis! From his writing for the Sunday News, to sitting at Court-side at all our UVM Basketball games, he presented himself to me as a true sports fan. Supportive, caring, and ever present! My sincere condolences to John's family as Burlington has lost an Sports world icon!
Ralph Snyder
December 27, 2012
I remember when John came on the sport scene in Burlington in the late 50's. He had that "Fonzie-like" air about him. He made a big impression on people and he made a lot of friends.
Larry Dumas
December 27, 2012
I worked with John for several years at the old Sunday News. I'll always remember Kiki and Jake playing with all the typewriters at the office at 128 Church Street. Your Dad was my inspiration for many years. God bless him and you.
Lori Warren
December 27, 2012
I am saddened to hear of John's passing. My father, Ken Warren (deceased, 1990) counted John as a dear friend. Also a sportswriter and newspaper man for the Burlington Free Press, my Dad and John shared a love of sports and the Boston Red Sox. I can only think that my Dad is rejoicing in having John's company once again and they are up there together reviewing the stats! My condolences to John's family for the loss of this great person. RIP John.
December 27, 2012
Kiki, Jake, You two had a great father. To me a great driver's ed teacher. Am sorry for your loss.
jimmy fleece
December 27, 2012
May he rest in peace! Jake, sorry to hear about your Dad!
The Rivard's
December 27, 2012
My sympathy to the entire family for the loss of such a wondeful man. I mostly remeber Mr. C from the conversations we had when he would stop into Merola's M&M Market on Pearl St. and visit with Louie, Bob and Ruth. He was always such a joy to have around and had the most entertaining stories. He will be missed by all. Sue-Ann LaBelle
Cathy Harrington Smithers
December 27, 2012
Back in the 60s I met Mr. C because of Harmon Bove. It was a great time being in the "sports world" of 16 Revere Ct. and babysitting Kiki and Jake. As an adult, I would visit VT, and I always knew where I could find Mr. C...on Church Street!! I loved it, and I will miss his presence there. What a smile! My condolences and thoughts go out to his family. You have lots of memories, and it's always fun to relive them in stories. God bless you all.
Paul Olsen
December 27, 2012
"You're back!" is how Johnny regularly greeted me (and others) at the YMCA. We'll miss his upbeat attitude, sense of humor, and stories. Rest in peace friend.
Nick, Sandy, Nicole and Lauren Todisco
December 26, 2012
Pop, we will miss seeing you at our many family gatherings. We will always remember your infectious smile, laugh and many stories and jokes that you told. But most of all, the moments when you brought everyone together for those special family photos that we treasure dearly. Thank you for never forgetting our favorite sports teams and taking the time to talk about the Tigers and Chargers. Rest in peace Pop, we love you so much. Our love goes out to everyone, Jake and Gina, Kiki and Dan, Perry and Amy, David and Kathy and all of your wonderful grandchildren who adore you. Go Indians! Go Browns!
December 26, 2012
"Mr. C" you will be truly missed. Always cherrished the times we ran into each other. Thoughts go out to the family
Love the Swims
Ted Ryan
December 26, 2012
John was as classy as a sports journalist and person as anyone I've known in my 48 years in the business in Vermont. He was always positive. He was tremendously thoughtful; on several occasions John so nicely sent along pictures of my family or me that he had taken at events. In addition, Mr. C had to have a world of patience and faith to have survived teaching daughters Jenn and Stevi to drive. Our condolences to the extended Cunevalis family; John will be greatly missed and not only on the sidelines. Ted, Linda, Jennifer and Stephanie Ryan.
Hank Gretkowski
December 26, 2012
We send our sympathy to all members of the Cunavelis family. John will be remembered as a true sportsman. I met him many years ago when I was a young basketball player at St. Mike's ..he was an excellent sports writer and a real gentleman. He will be missed.
Chuck Schifilliti
December 26, 2012
To the entire family of John Cunavelis, sorry to hear of your dad"s passing. He will be missed dearly at the UVM basketball games. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Schifilliti Family
Dave Matthews
December 26, 2012
John handed me the first paycheck of my life in 1959 as a Daily News schoolboy sportswriter/columnist, but more significantly launched me on a diverse life experience path that has been nothing but positive. I'm grateful I had the chance in recent times to express my thanks to him personally. Now, with his passing, I'm thankful for the one last chat we enjoyed together earlier this month at Patrick Gym. My sincere condolences to the Cunavelis and Bove families. John will never be forgotten.
December 26, 2012
A warm friend for many,many years and a very respected jounalist. John, I will miss you dearly.
Tony Adams
December 26, 2012
Cunavelis Family,
Our father has told us many memorable stories about your dad. My dad, as well as many others on Church Street will miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with you all. The Porter Family
Jim & Kelly Garbelotti
December 26, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Cunavelis Family. I will miss talking sports with John and looking at his notes.
Doug MacPhee
December 26, 2012
John my friend,I will celerbate your life and remember our freindship. My condolences and thoughts are with your family.
Shirley Sweet
December 26, 2012
Farewell Mr. Cunavelis! I would see you in the halls at BHS (class of '74)and then I would see you at FAHC sometimes and you always had a smile and a "How ya doing?"..it always put a smile on my face. You will be truly missed.
Stuart Weiss
December 26, 2012
I saw John at the Y all the time. He was a wonderful and proud grandfather and always a joy to be around. May his memory be a blessing.
Lisa L Lafountaine
December 26, 2012
To the Entire Cunavelis Family, my sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. Mr C was the best teacher I ever had. From his incredible smile to his trade mark bag of peanuts. You will surely be missed. RIP Mr. C.
December 25, 2012
so saddened by the death of a wonderful man. my condolences to his family. anne bemis
Harland Howard
December 25, 2012
John was a true gentleman. I used to talk to him at the UVM men's basketball games.I will miss those times for sure. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. RIP, John, you deserve it!
Michael Agusta
December 25, 2012
I am saddened to read this. I saw "Johnny" everyday at the YMCA and he always said hello and we would talk sports. What a genuine person. What a loss.
Ellen Norton-Ambuhl
December 25, 2012
Mr. C you will be missed, loved running into you at the hospital you always remembered me from B H S class of 75,
Gene Frenette
December 25, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Cunavelis family. I worked for John at Vermont Sunday News from 1973-75. He gave me my first job as a sports writer, a profession I'm still in four decades later. John was a great mentor. Just talked to him about a month ago. I will forever be grateful for his guidance. RIP, John.
Gene Frenette, Jacksonville, FL
Kirk Faryniasz
December 25, 2012
I write this with tears in my eyes, John was a true mentor and a friend. He and I spent nearly every Saturday night for nearly three years, during my high school years, working on the Vermont Sunday News sports page. I was his gopher and he taught me the trade from the hot type days to the changes in the industry. He taught me so much about the newspaper business and life in general. John introduced me to many wonderful people involved in sports in Vermont. I can not thank this man enough for all he did to help me reach many goals in life. May you rest in peace, John, you were a well respected and great man. I thank the Lord that our paths crossed and he brought us together.
Don Picard
December 25, 2012
My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. He was a wonderful man; cherish the memories.
Diane Bugbee
December 25, 2012
Rest in peace, Mr. C. You taught me how to drive many years ago at CVU, always with a smile and always knowing what to say to help build my confidence. My condolences and thoughts are with your family.
Ed Markey
December 25, 2012
Another professional leaves us! A good friend and competent reporter. We have the greatest admiration and respect for our friend. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his wonderful family.
John will not be easily forgotten.
James Davis
December 25, 2012
To the Entire Family,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing.
Please know that you are All in my Thoughts&Prayers.
Duke Davis
Nancy Pappas Trombley
December 25, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
tom gordon
December 25, 2012
Sending out thoughts & prayers for the family. John was a wonderful man.
Ron and Sarah Juckett
December 25, 2012
I can't think of many other people who lived as full and rich a life as you.
It was an honor to call you my friend.
My condolences to the family.
Matt Borden
December 25, 2012
John, you were one of my favorite people in the whole world. Church St and The Y will never be the same. I will never forget you, Dick, Mac and the rest of the Church St gang. My best to the Cunavelis and Bove families.
December 25, 2012
In 1958 John was sports editor of " The Daily News " , an afternoon paper competing with the BFP .Though I never met John , we spoke daily during the baseball season , after the Dodgers played a nightgame on the West coast .After a time , it wasn't necessary to identify myself ... he gave me a wrap up on the phone . He was incredibly nice to a boy he never met! I'll never forget him !Howard Solomon M.D Seguin Texas
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