Llewellyn S. "Jack -"Coach"" Gushue Obituary (1924 - 2012)

Llewellyn Stuart Gushue better known as, Jack or "coach" passed away at the age of 87 on July 26, 2012. Formerly of Buffalo, NY, he resided on Harvard Road, Horseheads, NY. Jack was born December 20, 1924. He was the son of Stuart and Elizabeth Gushue of Buffalo, NY and grandson of Thomas Gushue, first mate on Admiral Perry's expedition to discover the North Pole. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Gloria Anderson. Jack is survived by his three children. Linda (Robert) Hezlep of Hampstead, NC; John (Cathy) Gushue of Horseheads, NY and Susan (Mike) Belosky of Horseheads, NY; eight grandchildren, Heather Mehl of Sterling Heights, MI; Kevin Self of Harleysville, PA; Janelle Martin of Richmond, VA; Amy Marketos of Alexandria, VA; Valerie Gushue of Arlington, VA; Suzann Gushue of Horseheads, NY; Michael Belosky of Horseheads, NY and Michelle Mendez of Horseheads, NY; ten great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jack served his country honorably in the US Marine Corps. During WWII, at age 17 he enlisted and fought in the South Pacific, was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. After his military career, he graduated from South Park High School, in Buffalo, NY. and then graduated from University of Buffalo where he was as a basketball star. Upon graduating he moved to Addison, NY. As a proven basketball coach in Addison, he entered the Horseheads Central School system as a PE teacher in 1952. While teaching, he enjoyed traveling with a semi-professional basketball team, The Black Hawk League. He retired as Director of Athletics in 1984 from the Horseheads School Dist. His esteemed career included coaching football, track, cross country, and basketball. "Coach's" famed basketball record (235-165 in 22 seasons) was just broken this year by Coach Steve Monks. He was elected to the New York State Public High School basketball hall of fame in 2000. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling the country as a spectacular racquetball player earning a gold medal in racquetball in the Senior Olympics and eclipsed a number one ranking in the country for his age bracket. He also served as a member of the Mason, Elk, and Moose Club as well as and American Legion.The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St. at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY on Sunday, July 29, 2012 from 3PM-7PM. Jack's Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 30, 2012 at 10AM at the funeral home with Fr. Robert Adkins. Jack will be laid to rest immediately following beside his wife, Gloria with full military honors at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that memorials be made in Jack's name to Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care, 11751 Corning Rd, Corning, NY 14830 or to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.