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John Cerutti Obituary
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John Robertson
March 25, 2021
I still miss his baseball commentary after all these years.
JOYCE KEELEY Brickhouse
January 11, 2005
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Cerutti family, Marlene you most likely don't remember me, but we work together at Gateway, many years ago, We use to talk of our children and the last time we talked we talked about John's career. I am so very sorry. Joyce
Fred Lowndes
December 12, 2004
DearDan,Marlene and Family
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to you in your loss of a loved one.
May the words of our Savior bring
solace in this trying time."Faith is the substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen". "Be thou faithful until death and I will give thee a crown of life".
May the Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace.
Fred
Kris (Kieley) Turon
November 4, 2004
Dear Lisa and Family,
I was very sad to hear of John's passing. I can only imagine how hard it will be for your whole family in the coming weeks and months. Although I had only met John a few times, I will always remember how proud Lisa was of having him as a big brother. I will be thinking of you and keeping you all in my prayers. I also know what a strong and loving family you are and know you will somehow get through this difficult time.
With my deepest sympathy, Kris
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John White
October 10, 2004
I'm a huge baseball fan from Cape Breton, Canada.
A big part of my life during summer is watching Blue Jays games on Sportsnet TV.
When news arrived that John Cerutti had died, I felt as if a member of my own family had passed on. I've never met the man, but it hit me very hard, and what a compliment that is for John.
As far as I'm concerned, the best thing about John's television commentary was that he told it like it was. In other words, if a Blue Jay player did well, he praised him, and if the opposite happened, he wasn't shy to say so.
God bless John Cerutti.
October 9, 2004
To the Cerutti's,
I never met John personally, but hearing him talk made me feel like he was a person you could talk about and have fun. His death so close to Thanksgiving might be hard for your family. Lets remember all the good qualities he had. I am so sorry for your loss. And that you may be comforted that John is watching over you.
R.I.P. John Cerutti
John Schnurr
October 8, 2004
To the Cerutti Family:
Deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers for your loss at this most sorrowful time.
It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. The game for John - whether athletics, professional, or family was always played with hard-work, class and love. We have lost a true friend, a class act, and a role model. I’ll never forget some classic Cerutti moments – “Snake” draining a long jumper against Catholic High, catching his fastball or curve and watching him laugh when he stung my hand, pizza’s at the Orchard, the weekend with Beau at Amhearst. He was a “Face”.
Even in death, John’s humanity has reminded countless folks across countless miles to take that moment to say I love you to the people you care about, pick up the phone to call home or your distant friends, and live each day like it is your last. As Rinks said earlier, Godspeed my friend.
Wendy Willard
October 8, 2004
I was out of town & did not hear about this till Thursday the 7th. Please accept my condolences. I have worked with Jerome Clement for a few years & met Mary many times. I have heard stories about her wonderful family. You are all in my prayers. God Speed.
Karen Howell
October 8, 2004
With deepest sympathy and God's blessings to John's family and friends. He was a blessing to all who met him.
Joe and Cathy Amore
October 8, 2004
Our deepest sympathy to the Cerutti family. I cut John's hair when he was in the Albany area. We had wonderful talks. He will surely be missed by many.
Rita Cerutti Kelley
October 7, 2004
You are in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. My father, William Cerutti, took me meet Dan and Marlene many years ago. They called John and had us meet at Fenway Park after a Blue Jays/Red Sox game. I carry the baseball card he gave me that day in my wallet. God's peace and love be with you.
Jack McConkey
October 7, 2004
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Cerutti family. John was widely admired for not only his athletic abilities but also for being a fine christian gentleman. Residing in the Tampa/St. Pete area I would from time to time see John's name in the St. Petersburg Times sports section, mentioning his involvement in the local golf scene. I would point out to my children that John was also a graduate my alma mater, CBA. Over the years I have met several major league baseball players and without exception all had kind words about John and respect for his pitching abilities.John was a husband,a father,a ball player,a revered golfer,a brother and a friend to many and he will be missed in Albany and here in Florida. I have no doubt though that if there in a Cypress Point Golf cousre in heaven that John is somewhere on the 16th fairway."Hear, O Lord, and answer me,for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." Farewell my christian brother.
Joe Skelly
October 7, 2004
To the Cerutti Family,
My deepest sympathies are extended to all of you. My sister, Marcy, has also expressed her sympathies in this beautiful testament to John. Ron Morrison was our uncle. Ron loved John, like a son. He loved all of the Cerutti family, Dave and Paul, everyone. Ron deeply appreciated Mrs. Cerutti's kindness to him, and to our grandfather at the diner. Ron spoke with such pride about John's accomplishments, from their first years together with Albany Ashphalts, through so many afternoons together in Ron's backyard, CBA, Legion ball in the summers, to Amherst, and then the American League. Ron followed John's career, every pitch and every inning. He was right there on the field with John. He is with your family now, in these difficult times, lending his support to you from afar, just as all of you supported him, when he and John built their field of dreams in Albany. Sincerely,
mary beth (vadney) Lombardi
October 7, 2004
To The Cerutti Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you. I was always known as "Tinker's sister", MaryBeth. I remember having a crush on John when I was about 13 years old, and "hanging out" with Mary (his wonderful sister)she would invite me over. That was great, because not only did I get to see John, I experienced firsthand a beautiful loving family, so closly knit together. John's family may not remember this, but I do, like it was yesterday. John's Mom had me stay for lunch, (which consisted of soup and sandwiches cut in triangles). I remember sitting around the table and John was across the table and we didn't even look at each other. However, I managed to tell everyone I was "going out" with John. Funny, John didn't know that. I just saw all the family (exception of John) at Easter at the Ribbon Diner. It was so nice to see all the family still "close knit" and Mary you are a beautiful wonderful girl. You gave me a big hug. Know that John is in a beautiful place, and also know that he is with everyone of us too. To John's wife, be strong, time will heal, and know that John is with you and your children every day. With All My Sympathy, Mary Beth "Tinker's sister" (Vadney) Lombardi
Marty McGraw
October 6, 2004
To the Cerutti Family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. John will be sorely missed by everyone in Albany and especially CBA. We all know of John as a professional baseball player, but he was much more than that. John was a professional in everything that he did in his short time with us. What a role model - as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, teammate and friend. He was the ultimate professional in all that he did. He was all about loyalty, that's what made John so special. But what separated John from the rest is that he NEVER forgot the people that helped him along the way. He was never better than you because of his success. He treated everyone the same - honestly and fairly. What more can you ask of a man? No one worked harder to be successful than John and his achievements speak for themself.
I know my life is better having known John. I am proud to have been his teammate and friend.
John, we will all miss you! God has called you to pitch the next game in "the stadium in the sky" and you have earned it!!
God Bless You and all the Cerutti's - you are wonderful people.
Marty McGraw
CBA Class of '77
Marty McGraw
October 6, 2004
To the Cerutti Family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. John will be sorely missed by everyone in Albany and especially CBA. We all know of John as a professional baseball player, but he was much more than that. John was a professional in everything that he did in his short time with us. What a role model - as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, teammate and friend!!!! He was the ultimate professional in all that he did. He was all about loyalty, that's what made John so special. But what separated John from the rest is that he NEVER forgot the people that helped him along the way. He was never better than you because of his success. He treated everyone the same - honestly and fairly. What more can you ask of a man? No one worked harder to be successful than John and his achievements speak for themself.
I know my life is better having known John. I am proud to have been his teammate and friend.
John, we will all miss you! God has called you to pitch the next game in "the stadium in the sky" and you have earned it!!
God Bless You and all the Cerutti's - you are wonderful people.
Marty McGraw
CBA Class of '77
Michele (Mickey) Calvin
October 6, 2004
I was so sorry to hear about the death in the family. You have my sympathy. Hope everything goes all right. Love, Michele.
Mary Lingnau
October 6, 2004
Dear Claudia, Daniel, Nicole & Janine,
I am so very sorry to hear of John's passing. I remember many years ago when I was out in Mississauga at a big shopping centre & John was there with his family. Now this was probably 14 or 15 years ago so perhaps it was just Daniel & Nicole. We were at the amusement part of the shopping centre & I went up to John & asked him "Are you John Cerutti"? We started to talk & I had my 2 year old grand daughter with me & he was so nice & friendly. I never forgot that meeting. I told him I wished him good luck at that evenings game as he was pitching. He thanked me & we parted company. John was well loved in Toronto & just a real fine human being. I am sure he was a wonderful husband & father. I will remember you in my prayers & hope Our Lord helps you with this terrible cross you are all bearing. I lost my son when he was 18 years old & only my faith & wonderful family got me through it.
God Bless you all.
Mary Lingnau
Peter W. Westaway
October 6, 2004
John was, by every available account, a superior human being and the City of Toronto, and Canada is now poorer for his untimely and abrupt passing. Our sincere sympathy to all the Cerruti family.
Craig Burley
October 6, 2004
John Cerutti was a great man, a fine ballplayer and broadcaster with a great love of the game. He touched many, many people around Notrh America with his great zest and enthusiasm. I was a great fan of his as a young boy; I hope his memory lives on in others as it will in me.
Marcy Skelly Patierno
October 6, 2004
On behalf of myself and my family I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Cerutti family. Ron Morrison was my uncle and I spent many summers in Albany, attending more ball games then I could count. We were so sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Christopher Quirk
October 6, 2004
My sincerest condolances to the whole Cerutti family. John was a class act. I'll bet he is having a game of catch with Ron.
Joanne Conley
October 6, 2004
The Cerutti Family,
I have only fond memories of growing up with your family in Albany. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
Joanne Conley
Ginny Green
October 6, 2004
Dear Mary and family,
I am so sorry to read that your brother has passed away. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know only too well how heartbreaking this is for you and all of your family. Someday may we all be together again. Take care and be strong.
Ginny Green
Jeff Mather
October 6, 2004
For the past three years I have had the good fortune to work with John. Recently we were in Tampa when Hurricane Jeanne hit Florida. John had an opportunity to leave town with the team before the worst of it arrived but chose to stay with his family instead. From Tampa we headed to Baltimore where the remnants of the storm rained out one of our games. Again John took advantage of an opportunity to sneak home for one extra night with his family. He packed a lot of living into his 44 years. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Brian Mason
October 6, 2004
John played our golf club on a regular basis during the baseball seasons.
Rain or shine he found positves in everything here.
Always upbeat, always very classy.
I will miss all our conversations before his tee times.
John was a true gemtleman.
Colyn Brace
October 6, 2004
Rest In Peace John. Although I have not met the the immediate Family note that John is & will be remembered for being a cool guy who never met a stranger. LOL for John and recall that smile of his(half smile). Warm regards to the Cerruti Family, Colyn.
Marty Chong
October 6, 2004
I grew up watching John pitch for the Jays. There are few out there who are both sportsmen and who have also demonstrated ongoing commitment to their family, team as well as their sport.
You will be missed.
Tim Caulfield
October 6, 2004
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Cerutti family. I had the good fortune to meet John when he was a senior and I was a freshman at CBA. John was a role model athletically, academically, and most most importantly as a human being. He is one of the rare people that touch our lives that we can say, we are a better person for having known him. He took time for everyone even a freshman at CBA. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Sharon Askew
October 6, 2004
I never knew John, but I met his mother years ago at a fabric store where I worked, and she always spoke so highly of him. My deepest condolences go out to Marlene and the rest of John's family.
Shirley Coonrad
October 6, 2004
To the Cerutti Family,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you on the passing of John. Reading through some of the entires in this guest book, it is a testament to the person that he was and the life that he lead. Hold on to each other and let others help you through this difficult time. Mary and Jerome, please know that you have a huge family to rely on, including the Coonrads. Please call on us if you need anything.
Shirley and Mike Coonrad
Regina Conley Bethel
October 6, 2004
To the Cerutti Family:
I know it has been a very long time since I have seen you all. My heart goes out to all of you! I can still remember John teaching me how to ice skate.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Regina Conley Bethel
Rick Damino
October 6, 2004
Growing up in Albany I was always inspired by John's determination and ability to be the very best at whatever he chose to do. My prayers are with his entire family and friends. Thanks John for being such a fine role model and good person.
John Thompson
October 6, 2004
I never had the good fortune to meet John in person, but I, like all fans of the Blue Jays, still considered him a friend. In my mind, one word describes John: gentleman.
My deepest condolences go out to his family.
Joan & Libbi Hood
October 6, 2004
To the Cerutti Family,
As avid Blue Jays fans, we watched John pitch and enjoyed his commentary over the past few years.
Our deepest sympathy.
Kathy Cronin
October 5, 2004
..."In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.”
>AESCHYLUS
This is the saddest news I've heard in my adult life....John, my dear old friend...I will remember our high school years, the fun, the laughter, the silliness...Gateway Diner, Disco "78", "Your're so bright", "Chinese Fire drill" at midnight in front of your coach's house, the proms...so much...I loved you...you were the best.
It is true...only the good die young.
My deepest regrets to Claudia and your children...and to John's family.
My heart is broken...I will miss you John...you were special.
Dianne and Dick Heintz
October 5, 2004
Dear Dan, Marlene, Claudia and family...Words cannot adequately express the pain of loss you are feeling...May God watch over your family and grant you His peacefulness during the difficult days ahead. God Bless You, John, on your new journey in life. We will never forget your gentle spirit.
Rusty Oleszewski
October 5, 2004
My deepest condolences to the Cerutti family. I had the privilege of being a teammate of John's at Amherst. Besides the obvious athletic talent, John had the type of personality that made him fun to be around. Even during his days in the majors and after retirement, he always made time to visit with an old friend. I have not met a finer man yet and you will be missed tremendously JJ.
Michael (Augie) & Dina Addario
October 5, 2004
To the Cerutti Family,
Please accept our deepest heartfelt condolences. What I remember most about John is how he always excelled in anything he ever took on. We will miss him, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Kevin Charette
October 5, 2004
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to John's wife, children and the entire Cerutti family at this very difficult time.
Kevin Charette
CBA 1977
Rod and Carol Clarke
October 5, 2004
To the Family of the Late, Great John Cerutti, We send you our condolences from the Home of the Blue Jays, Toronto. We shall miss the smiling face and humor of John.
We had the pleasure to watch him as a pitcher and then later as a broadcaster. We were thrilled to finally meet him at Spring Training in Dunedin two years ago !What a gentleman. We chatted about the Jays of course and of our neighbour at Holiday Campground,Seminole, Ann Bosco. Ann ( who died recently )was David's Mother in Law ! Small world !John invited us to come up too see him in the booth sometime...but we never did go !
We are going to miss you John..you were taken much too soon !
Maureen Reilly
October 5, 2004
It is said that those we know in late childhood, before teens, are people we remember all our lives. I imagine I oculd name the entire little league all-star team if asked. I remember John being as good as the guys a whole year older - a bit of a scandal! To Danny, Mary, and the trememndous circle of Cerutti family and friends, a heartful of love. Maureen
Tom & Sandy Gunning
October 5, 2004
Dan, Marlene and entire Cerutti family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We pray that all the wonderful memories you have of John will comfort you in the days ahead.
God bless.
Tom and Sandy Gunning
(Town of Colonie Golf Course)
Elaine V.
October 5, 2004
To the Cerutti family,
As a Blue Jays fan and employee enjoying/working the final game of the season, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing. Although I never met him, his presence will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Eddie Michels
October 5, 2004
To John Family-My deep sympathy to John's family from Karen and myself. John always was one to help his fellow man.
Eddie and Karen Michels
AP/CP
Duane Derreck
October 5, 2004
My sincere and deepest sympathy to John's Family and those close to him. He was gracious enough to give me my first interview when I started out in the news business and was a true gentleman and professional. He will be missed.
ALAN BRANDT
October 5, 2004
I had the pleasure of playing little league ball with both John and Dan. As kids we would look forward to the season as the winter concluded and the warm weather approached. When John made it to the big show it was great to see him when the Jays came to Oakland and before the game he always found time to take the time and remember friends from the old neighborhood.
I was shocked to hear of Johns passing and would like to extend my condolences to the Cerutti family.
Tim McDonald
October 5, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the entire Cerutti family.We watched his career over the years,and were very proud of him and his achievements.I'll always remember the interactions with the families on South Main Ave.
Melissa Lassor
October 5, 2004
It was with profound sadness that I learned of the death of John Cerutti. Several years ago, I worked with Judy Longley and told her that my nine-year-old son, in Little League at the time, was a fan of John's. Judy passed this on to John and John sent a signed a baseball card and signed baseball to my son. When my son sent a thank you note to John and enclosed his Little League baseball card, John was so touched that I heard he hung it in his baseball locker. This act of kindness to a boy was never forgotten by either me or my son.
Rob Faulds
October 5, 2004
I worked with John as a broadcaster in Toronto.
He was always proud of growing up in Albany.
He loved his work.
He was passionate about his family.
I will miss his spirit and enthusiasm.
I will miss the man.
John Ringelmann
October 5, 2004
I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the whole Cerutti family. I’ve had the privilege of spending most of my life within the circle of the Cerutti family with my close association with Dan. Starting with Little League baseball, on the same team with both John and Dan, and then years later watching him pitch in Yankee Stadium and in Oakland against the A’s - then concluding with John’s invitation for me to be in the broadcast booth at SBC Park in San Francisco during an interleague game this past summer. What a thrill! In the last 25-years I didn’t have the opportunity of seeing John that often due to his family and professional responsibilities. However, when I had lunch with John this summer it was as if only weeks have passed instead of years. With the exception of a few gray hairs we both were sprouting he was the same guy I always knew – an old friend and a class act all around.
John, you will be missed terribly by your family and the friends that have had the privilege of knowing you. Godspeed John Cerutti on your next journey . . .
David "Tinker" Vadney
October 5, 2004
I had played baseball with John from Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion and the Albany Twilight League. Not only was John one of the best athletes I have ever known, but also a great friend.My prayers go out to John's wonderful family, my prayers are with all of you,,God Bless.....
Niki Topolie
October 5, 2004
I had the pleasure of working as a game staff member for the Toronto Blue Jays while John was with the club. I also watched him become an excellent sports broadcaster over the past several years. He was the kind of man that I would like as a role model for my two sons. His kindness, generosity and integrity is something you don't get to see too often in the professional sports world these days. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolescences to his family.
Paul Fox
October 5, 2004
Hard Work… That is what I used to see John doing when I would drive by the Albany Babe Ruth, on Woodlawn Ave, sometimes in terrible weather. I would see John there, with his favorite pitching coach, a bucket of baseballs, and a catcher, perfecting his craft, in the pre and post seasons.
Baseball certainly allowed John to touch many people’s lives outside of his home town, as well as outside the game. Although, I have not seen John since high school, I have always viewed him, and his family with respect and admiration. God Bless
RAYMOND & LORRAINE GAY
October 5, 2004
Dear Dave and the Cerutti Family:
We send our deepest sympathy and our prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Ray and Lorraine Gay
Erika VanDeBogart
October 5, 2004
To The Cerutti Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time of loss. We all grew up next door (Nicholas Family)on S Main St, and we have fond memories of John and the Cerutti family.
barbara powers
October 5, 2004
I would like to express my condolences to the whole Cerutti family. My husband, who passed away last year, was Commandant of Cadets at CBA while John was there. He had wonderful things to say about John and his whole family. He will surely be missed.
Dan Yowell
October 5, 2004
God Bless John, I had the privilege
of facing him at the plate.
Bill Shatraw CBA 1976
October 5, 2004
My prayers are with John's entire family.
Robert Pellegrino
October 5, 2004
My sincere condolonces to the
Cerutti family. I am graduate of CBA
and remember John. Although I graduated
with Dan I remember John when stopping by the house on S. Main.
I also was on John's National LL team.
I will keep John in my prayers
Bob Pellegrino
CBA '77
patti manning
October 5, 2004
my deepest sympathy to his family.
Gerald Degener
October 5, 2004
My condolences to your family.
Tina Dodge
October 5, 2004
It was a pleasure watching you perform locally for the Diamond Dogs.. You are an inspiration to many of the children in this area.
Will miss you very much.
Peter Ramee
October 5, 2004
I attend CBA with John he was my senior officer, I was in 10 grade.
I good person to go too early.
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