Rocky Hill, Connecticut
John Joseph McVicar, 71, of Rocky Hill, died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife of 47 years, Eileen P. (Horgan) McVicar, on Wednesday (October 8, 2003) after a long, courageous battle with leukemia. He was born in Manhattan, NY, the beloved son of the late Patrick and Catherine McVicar. Besides his wife he leaves son, John P McVicar, daughter, Brigid Stearns and husband, Kerry, daughter Colleen Kisselburgh and husband, Peter, and daughter Eileen Schnyder and husband John; several grandchildren; three sisters: Dr. Mary McVicar, Sister Catherine McVicar, and Margaret Ruckel and two brothers, Patrick McVicar and James Vicar. He was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School and Manhattan College both in New York City. After serving in the U.S. Army, he began his teaching career in NYC before moving to Rocky Hill to work in the Rocky Hill Public School system. As Rocky Hill s boys varsity soccer coach for 35 years, he compiled a record of 446 wins, 91 losses, and 55 ties including 26 Charter Oak Conference titles and 7 state titles. Over his coaching career he received "coach of the year" awards from: Connecticut High School Coaches Association, National Soccer Coaches Association of America, and the National High School Coaches Association. He was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2001. In addition he coached varsity boys baseball and varsity boys basketball and was recreation director in Rocky Hill. As a result of his lifelong contributions to Rocky Hill athletics, the town of Rocky Hill dedicated the high school field as John McVicar Field in 1995. Mr. McVicar was part of the Inaugural class inducted into the Rocky Hill Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also president of the Rocky Hill Teachers Association for 11 years and negotiations chairman for 21 years. He had a passion for reading including American and Irish history. He was on the Board of Directors for MALC and moderated many lively round table discussions of current events. He enjoyed summers at Nauset beach in Cape Cod and Irish dancing with his wife. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, 280 Brook Street at 10 a.m. Friends are invited to go directly to church Monday morning. Interment will follow in Rose Hill cemetery. Friends are invited to the Giuliano-Sagarino Funeral Home at BROOKLAWN, 511 Brook Street Rocky Hill, on Sunday from 2-7 p.m. Gifts in His memory may be made to the John McVicar Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o Jessie Harrison, 119 Bailey Rd., Rocky Hill, CT, 06067.
Read MoreGrowing up in Rocky Hill, I always thought that playing for Mr. McVicar would be one of the high points of my life. Now looking back, I know that it was.
My deepest condolences to the McVicar family.
Bruce Duncan
November 10, 2003 | Schenectady, NY
Mrs. McVicar and Family,
Take comfort in knowing that coach touched and had a major influence on so many lives. I graduated in 1970 and we dedicated our yearbook to him that year. Mr. McVicar was a true friend to all; and it didn't stop with just the kids he knew your whole family. I can remember my mother always trying to have a joke ready for him! They would try to out do each other with laughter. Know that you are all in my heart of hearts at this time of sorrow.
cindy ryan-gabriele
October 30, 2003 | York, PA
Mrs. McVicar and Coleen:
My deepest sympathies to you. I'll always remember how Mr.McVicar encouraged me when I was saddened by my asthma. He was a kind man who influenced many, many lives. My family's prayers are with you. Take comfort in the knowledge that he is in God's grace.
Billy Hall
October 26, 2003 | Valencia, CA
The McVicar Family:
Thanks Coach for all those great
victories at RHHS! You were an inspiration to many of us (Class of 1966). My deepest sympathy to your family.
Helen (Howachyn) Medearis
October 17, 2003 | Sun City, AZ
Dear Colleen,
Your father sounds like he was a truly wonderful person. He certainly left a legacy through his teaching and coaching careers and will be remembered always by those whose lives he touched. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Sincerely,
Nancy Welsh
Nancy Welsh
October 14, 2003 | Wallingford, CT
To The McVicar Family, My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Coach McVicar was a great coach, teacher, and friend. I loved playing on his teams. He not only made you a better player, he also made you a better person. Coaches like John McVicar come along only once in a lifetime. It was an honor to know him and I will miss him. We are very sorry for your loss. sincerely The McKinnons
george mckinnon
October 14, 2003 | Rocky Hill, CT
Mr. McVicar was a great man. In 7th and 8th grade he always inspired me to try my best. He always made me laugh when he would call me Pope John. I guess he thought I would make a good priest. Mrs. McVicar, I am sorry for your loss. God Bless.
John Arcari
October 13, 2003 | Rocky Hill, CT
Dear Eileen and family: My heartfelt sympathies goes out to you all, and my heartfelt thanks to you all for sharing John with all of us. His life touched us for 35 years, two generations of high school students. My husband and both of our sons, were on his team.He is part of the best memories of our youth. I'll remember him with a fondness for all that was. Thank you for sharing his time and life with us. In love and sympathy, Debbie Stock
Debra Stock
October 12, 2003 | Rocky Hill, CT
Back in the early 60's I was in the 7th grade and the school was then called Rocky Hill Jr-Sr, High School. That is when I first met Coach. He gave me the opportunity to play baseball at the varsity level and taught me so much. Coach may you rest in peace. My sympathies to your family.
Roger Kalafut
October 12, 2003 | Manchester (Rocky Hill), CT
