John D. "Jack" Ciabotti
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Devoted husband of Patricia Ackerman Ciabotti, the love of his life for more than 67 years. Beloved older brother of Robert (Rose) Ciabotti and the late Marie (Steve) Machovic. Loving father of Christine (Christopher) Perille, Douglas (Jane) Ciabotti and Gary (Laura) Ciabotti. Treasured grandfather of Matthew (Lisa) and Karen Perille and Sarah, Megan, Katie and John Ciabotti. Dear great-grandfather of Ella and Jack Perille. Caring uncle, coach, mentor and friend to many.
Born in Schenectady, NY, John was the first in his family to graduate college. A star wrestler at Ithaca College, he went on to teach and coach wrestling - initially at Niskayuna High School and then at the University of Hartford. His rich and varied career included running two of his own businesses, sandwiched between two recreational director jobs - first for Simsbury, Connecticut, and later for Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. He was instrumental in the design and management of the Simsbury Farms recreational complex. Years later, at an age when many are easing into retirement, John chose to learn a new sport and started coaching a double-dutch team for young girls in Lauderdale Lakes, eventually taking them to compete at the national championships. He remained very active in retirement, serving as the driving force behind various teams and tournaments in the Villages, ranging from softball to pickleball to golf to bocce to poker. Although his work and interests took him from his native New York to Florida via Connecticut, his heart was never far from the Adirondacks and the 100-mile youth canoe trip that he led for many years.
John's intellectual and geographic curiosity helped to inspire various international adventures with his wife and favorite travel companion, Pat. He never passed up an opportunity to teach or coach, including sharing his favorite saying: "There are three ways of learning - by watching, by doing and by shock." He delighted in passing along his love of sports (especially wrestling and canoeing), his investing savvy, and other thoughtful life lessons. Wherever John went, he was an organizer of activities, a connector of people and, most importantly, a "doer."
Visitation will take place Saturday, March 14, starting at 9:15 a.m. at St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, IL, followed by a Mass at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Adirondack History Museum (www.adkhistorycenter.org) would be appreciated.