Paul Vallone

Lou Carnesecca

Jan 04, 1925 - Nov 29, 2024

Queens, NY

The legendary St. John’s Basketball coach – Lou Carnesecca, passed away at 99. Lou was the coaching legend who coached St. John’s men’s basketball for more than two decades. He was only a few days shy of his 100th birthday. He led his team to 18 seasons in which they won at least 20 games, as well as 18 NCAA Tournament appearances. His team produced many great players, including Bill Wennington, Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, and Mark Jackson. In 1992, he was inducted into the “Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame,” and then, 14 years later, he paved his way to the “National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.” He was a two-time “National Coach of the Year,” as well as a three-time “Big East Coach of the Year,” and a six time “Metropolitan Coach of the Year.” Born and raised in New York, Carnesecca attended St. John’s, but prior to doing so, he served in the United States Coast Guard for three years during World War II. He left behind his beloved wife of 73 years, Mary; his daughter, Enes; his son-in-law, Gerard; his granddaughter, Ieva; his niece and nephew, John Chiesa, Susan Chiesa. Moreover, his extended family and his cherished friends also survived him and are grieving over this loss.

Sandra Reaves Phillips

Dec 22, 1944 - Dec 28, 2023

Queens, NY

"Sandra Reaves-Phillips was the versatile actress and singer famous for films such as 'Round Midnight and Lean on Me. She has passed away at 79 of natural causes at her Queens, New York home on December 29th, 2023. Reaves-Phillips faced health challenges since a 2004. After a stage fall during a Raisin performance in St. Louis. She was born on December 23rd, 1944, in Mullins, South Carolina. Reaves-Phillips rose to prominence for her Broadway performances. Notably in Hot Feet alongside Maurice Hines and Raisin, where she portrayed Mama Younger and Bertha Mae Little. A highlight of her career was the one-woman show, The Late, Great Ladies of Blues & Jazz. Here she played figures like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday. She toured globally for over two decades with this production. Reaves-Phillips also created and toured with three other solo shows. She faced challenges in upbringing, moved to New York at 15, and became a mother shortly after. Despite all that, Reaves-Phillips persevered her passion for performance. Her contributions extended beyond the stage. With TV appearances in Another World, Law & Order, and Homicide: Life on the Street. Sandra Reaves-Phillips leaves a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. "