Kirk A. Ventiquattro

DEFERIET - Kirk A. Ventiquattro, 67, — known to nearly everyone simply as Coach V — went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 14, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family and close friends as he peacefully passed, following a nearly 15-year battle with prostate cancer. Throughout that fight, Coach V dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds so that others might be spared the same struggle. In the end, he faced his final opponent the same way he faced every challenge — with faith, grace, and the love of those around him.

Kirk was born on January 25, 1959, in Watertown, NY, to Thomas and Barbara Ventiquattro, both of whom preceded him in death. Kirk credited his parents with instilling in him the values he carried his entire life: knowing right from wrong, working hard, believing in yourself, and understanding that effort conquers all.

He graduated from Carthage High School in 1977 as an honor society member and one of the school's most celebrated athletes, earning All-Star, All-North, and All-CNY honors in basketball, baseball, and football. He was named the 1977 Outstanding Senior Athlete. Though he declined an invitation to walk on at the University of Pittsburgh to play football, he followed his older brother and hero Domenick to SUNY Cortland, where he graduated in 1981 and stayed on to earn his master's degree, completing it in 1983. During his college years, he remained deeply involved with the football, basketball, and lacrosse programs.

After graduate school, Kirk taught for one semester at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, coaching JV football and varsity girls' volleyball, before beginning what would become a 30-plus-year career at Carthage High School. There, Coach V touched generations of athletes — coaching football for 25 years, basketball for 22 years, volleyball for 10 years, baseball for 3 years, and his true passion, lacrosse, for 30 years. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he coached over 120 sport seasons and won more than 80% of his combined games.

His lacrosse legacy at Carthage stands alone. After founding the program in 1988, he guided the Varsity Boys to 458 wins, 24 Frontier League championships, 6 Section 3 Class B titles, and 3 New York State Finals appearances. His teams were regularly ranked among the best in the state and nation. For this body of work, he was honored by both the Upstate Lacrosse Chapter of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the North Country Sports Hall of Fame. He was a proud member of the Carthage Area Turkey Bowl Hall of Fame and, most recently, received the 2025 Carthage Central School District Hall of Achievement award.

At the time of his death, Coach V was serving as an assistant lacrosse coach under his son Tony at The Village School of Naples in Naples, Florida, and as a football assistant under Cory Marsel at Indian River, where he also assisted with the modified lacrosse program. He was also the head coach of the Philippines World Lacrosse team, posting a 10-4 international record that included a 10th-place finish at the 2018 World Lacrosse Championship in Netanya, Israel.

On September 4, 1982, Kirk married his high school sweetheart, Carmelita Burdick, at Carthage Calvary Assembly of God, with Walter Schell officiating. Their union of more than 43 years produced two sons whom Kirk considered his greatest accomplishment. Tony, born in 1983, and Mario, born in 1987, were both exceptional students and standout athletes who went on to play Division I lacrosse — Tony at UMass and Mario at The Ohio State University. Kirk beamed with pride over both of them, and in 2023, each was honored as Coach of the Year in their respective areas.

Tony and his wife Amanda live in Fort Myers, Florida, and are parents to Alina, Giovanna, and Vera — three granddaughters who Kirk adored beyond measure, calling them his "reason for living." Mario is engaged to Amy McLean of Canton, Ohio; they live in Fort Lauderdale and shared countless adventures, holidays, and cherished moments with Kirk and Carmelita.

Kirk is survived by his wife, Carmelita; his sons Tony (Amanda) and Mario (Amy); his beloved granddaughters Alina, Giovanna, and Vera; and his three brothers, each of whom he was overjoyed to see come to faith in Jesus Christ: Thomas Mike of Ellisburg, Domenick Stanley of West Leyden, and Paul David of Boonville. His brothers-in-law Rick, Johnny, Patrick, Gary, Wade, and Lenny were each considered true brothers and dear friends. Kirk was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law Carmen Burdick and two of Carmelita's brothers, Louie and Jim. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts, all of whom he held close.

Among Kirk's dearest friendships — bonds as strong as family — were those with his nephew Americo; Gary Fuchs of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Scott Covey of Black River, NY; Chris Tehonica of Herrings, NY; Tom Piroli of Black River; Sam Millich of Black River; Bill Schoff of Pittsford; Tim Tynan of New York City; Bill Davis of West Seneca; Dave Elliott of Carthage; Tom Shambo of Massachusetts; Billy Nier of Great Bend; Jimmer Shettleton of Carthage; Bill "Jonesy" Jones of Carthage; Allen Dingman and family; and his best man, John Brondon of Rochester.

A member of the Carthage Elks Lodge, Kirk was deeply proud of the organization's Shoe Party — an event he loved so much it moved him to become a member. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Carthage Elks Shoe Party, Hospice of Jefferson County, and Team 24/Dot's Community Fund at https://thegameofcrosses.org/

A beloved member of Faith Fellowship Christian Church Coach V's final wish to those reading these words was this: consider inviting Christ into your life. In his view, being born again is as simple as asking God's forgiveness, acknowledging Jesus as His Son, and committing to follow Him. His deepest hope is to see you all with him in heaven one day.

Although arrangements remain incomplete, a private ceremony followed by a public celebration of life are planned for July. Details will be shared as they are finalized. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St., Carthage.