HEAVEN JUST GOT ONE HECK OF A TRAINER
February 28th, 2009
NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College community is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joseph “J.B.” Buono at the age of 97 this morning. An Iona and New Rochelle Hall of Famer, J.B. served as an athletic trainer for more than 50 years at the College.
“New Rochelle, the Iona College community and the athletics world have lost a legend this morning,” said Iona President Br. James A. Liguori. “J.B. Buono was an integral part of Iona College for the last half century and his friendship, dedication and loyalty will sorely be missed.” from icgaels.com
“J.B. cared for literally thousands of student-athletes during his time at Iona,” Liguori added. “He touched the lives of each and every person that he encountered.”
Buono was hired as the full-time athletic trainer at Iona in 1960. A distinguished World War II veteran he was once described as being to Iona “what the Statue of Liberty is to New York”.
Iona did lose a legend today…but what a life. Most people don’t dream of reaching 90….he almost reached 100. I first met JB in 1996 when I was a freshman working with the Iona College Men’s Basketball Team. I have countless memories of Jason Young, JB and myself doing so many things together….traveling the country, hundreds of meals at Mirage Diner, lot’s of exciting games, wine at the Beechmont and sometimes just having coffee over his apartment. At such a young age, I got a kick out of the fact that nothing ever stressed this man out……”Don’t worry, everything works itself out”….he would always tell me. I was then promoted to JB’s roommate on road trips for the next 3 years. Whether it was Honolulu or Buffalo, the room was also just a little too cold for him….he liked his coffee with sweet and low and loved to talk about the good old days. We’ve had this running debate about who is better…..Derek Jeter or Mickey Mantle…..hey JB, I always knew you were right that it was Mantle…..I just liked getting you wound up! Everyone will remember JB for his funny stories, off the cuff jokes and his diehard love of Iona athletics. Was there anything better than listening to a JB - Jim Valvano story from the 1970’s? And what was better than listening to JB rant about whatever the hell happened to be bothering him that day! But this man had a heart of gold. I still have the hand-written note he wrote me on the day I graduated college…..I still have the card he wrote me and my wife on the day we got married. He was by far the star of the dance floor that night! And I’ll never forget the only day I ever saw him moved to tears….he was sitting in his living room talking about the great times him and his wife had together. At that moment; JB’s true love had been gone over 35 years. That is the side of JB I wish more people saw….not just JB yelling “Yeah Man.” Yesterday while I was at the hospital in the morning before my wife and I brought home our son…..It dawned on me that JB probably didn’t know yet that we had the baby. I promised myself when I got home last night that I would call him. 235-2105…..I never did. When we found out this morning about JB I couldn’t believe it and I was so disapointed in myself for not taking the 5 minutes to call him and tell him about my son Dylan. JB’s grandaughter, Meredith….who grew up with my wife Amy……came over our house tonight to get away from all the craziness and just hang out. I just found out about an hour ago that Meredith’s father (Bruce Buono - JB’s son) told JB last night about our newborn son……and JB was very happy for us. You’re right JB…..”everything works itself out.”
Enjoy heaven my friend,
- Vin
Categories: Uncategorized
Vin, a great read. Thanks for the memories.
Vin- What a great story. I saw pics of Dylan-he is beautiful. My grandfather is reading this with a smile on his face and a “yeah man”! Great Job. Send my love to Amy and give Dylan a kiss for me.
Kristen Buono
Vin, Thanks for writing that..It was great and congratulations to you and Amy on Dylan!!
I was JB’s roommate one night as well. Come in Berlin!
Vin … you said it best. JB touched everyones heart at Iona and the stories will live on.
Vin congratulations on the baby. Great article.
If there is a basketball game in heaven JB will be sitting on the end of the bench
getting someone ready play.
JB was a very special man who cannot be replaced. JB was a legend and had a heart of gold. He will live in our hearts forever.” To know him was to love him”
That was JB Buono Everyone loved JB. God Bless him.
Hey Vin,
What a wonderful tribute to a great man. JB left us with history of Iona Athletics that we would’ve never known if it had not been for him sharing it with us. One thing J.B. did was make you laugh, but the most of all, he made Iona feel like home-the place to be. I wish you the best and continued success my ol’ buddy. See you have a family now, God Bless!
Omar King
“Yeah Man”
Vin,
A great blog about a great man. Thank you. JB was one of a kind (one in a million). Who spent more time with him than we, the Student Managers and Assistant Coaches? It is going to be strange standing on the Iona campus and not seeing JB. He was like a grandfather to us all. We all thought he would live forever (and maybe even drive and hang out at the Beechmont forever). May he rest in peace and shine down on future generations of Iona Gaels.
Congratulations to you and Amy on the birth of your son, Dylan. Another 18 years and he will be running the point or scoring as the shooting guard for the Gaels. As a matter of fact, I will go on record predicting that Dylan may be the 2027 MAAC Rookie of the Year.
Your VP Hoops blog is great. Keep it up. I still think that you may end up the Head Coach at Iona College one day. You are just taking some time away (like Bobby Knight)!
YEAH MAN!
Kevin C.
Kevin Callahan (Iona ‘84)
Former Head Manager/Graduate Assistant Coach
Iona Basketball (1980-1985)
Vin,
At some point can a final tribute / memorial be organized on campus for the man who gave five decades of his life to our great school. There were so many people who were not able to attend.
Maybe at homecomming next fall, could be the ideal time for alums and friends
to come together for a lasting tribute. 15 members of the 7 6 - 77 football team were present at Jb’s wake many more were unable to attend.
JB’s legacy was the smiles on the faces of everyone recalling stories and memories of JB.
Great site, Good info
Thanks a lot for reading the blog Mark!
- VP
That was a great remembrance that you posted, Vin. Very well and poignantly put.
Thanks John, hope you’ve been well. Stay in touch.