02/18/2022
Coach John Warchol and Ben are back shooting the breeze together. Thanks for the memories Coach Warchol, I love you and am so glad we had lunch last year to catch up on old times…
~Mike
It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce the passing of John Warchol. Coach, instructor & mentor to thousands. Friend and mentor to me. His legacy will live on in New Jersey hockey history forever.
I'll never forget the last time I saw him the night after the Reunion at Rezza Pizzeria on Eisenhower Parkway in Roseland. Ben & Michael Leuzzi, Bob Triebe and the two of us went there for dinner. John was running late. I wanted to go pick him up, but he insisted on driving himself. He called me on his cell phone and couldn't find the place. I went outside for better reception and to try and spot John's truck in the huge parking lot. He drove past it a couple times, having to turn around - again missing the entrance. We kept talking on the phone the whole time. After being out there for twenty minutes, John said he was thinking of giving up. I asked him to please give it one more try and he finally found the lot. He had to park about a hockey rink away from the front door because of the curbs in the lot (he came in the wrong entrance). I wanted to help him out of his truck be he insisted on doing it himself. Our dinners were being served when he got inside, but John quickly caught up. After dinner, Bob Triebe and I walked him out to his truck. He showed us how he used an old scarf to loop under his foot, so he could lift his leg with his hands to get it into the truck. Again, he wouldn't let us help. After John got into his truck, he gave both of us a hug. I knew it would be the last time we would see each other - I think he knew as well. It was extra special.
I kept in touch with Ben Leuzzi all summer leading up to the Reunion in October 2019. Ben talked to John regularly, and explained that John didn't think he would attend. He didn't want people seeing that he was unable to walk on his own. I had to find a way to convince him. I wrote him a letter on July 7th. Below are excerpts from that letter.
"John,
Hello John. Hoping you’re doing ok. I hear that you may not be able to attend the Reunion as you are having a hard time getting around. I understand, but I do hope you consider making it there – even if only for an hour. I would really like you to see the setup, and I know there will be a lot of people who would love to see you – even if you’re not at 100%."
I’ve shared these stories with you, because I wanted you to know that I get it. We all get old John. Your body may not be cooperating, but after speaking with you a couple months back, I know your mind is a sharp as a tack - same old John. I know for certain you want to be at this Reunion. If for nothing else – the excellent buffet. I hear you still have a good appetite. People attending won’t care that you can’t stand on your own, or need help using the restroom. They will be glad just to be able to sit alongside you for a few minutes and listen to a story or tell you about their life. It will make for lasting memories that you can take back home with you. If you don’t attend, you’re bound to have a steady stream of visitors on Saturday.
Again, if you just don’t think it’s a good idea… I understand, and maybe I’ll be one of those Saturday visitors. But this may be a last chance for you to see many of the people attending. Please give it some thought."
'
After Sheila purchased two tickets for her and Dave Sloan, I wrote Dave a letter on October 6th, suggesting he encourage his old friend to be there. Below is an excerpt.
"Sheila & Dave,
I hope you are both doing well. I wanted to get you the attached list in advance of the Reunion. After some prompting, Holly McInnis purchased two tickets last night and will be accompanying her dad to the event. Paul needs a little help getting around. John is considering not attending, and I’m doing everything I can to get him there – even if only for an hour. I’ll have someone deliver a few trays of food to him if he misses the buffet. Though, he may need a little nudging to get him there."
John did attend the Reunion, thanks to Bruce Parker - a man I, and all who attended, will be indebted to forever. Bruce spent a couple days at John's house, helping him get ready and bringing him to the event. Otherwise, it wouldn't have happened.
It's ironic that just yesterday - the day John died, I posted something John had written in 1977. Everything happens for a reason.
Rest easy my friend. We will meet again.
