In Loving Memory of Coach John Carlesi: August 29, 1967–July 6, 2025

Coach John Carlesi, the beloved coach of Stuyvesant’s boys’ baseball team, the Peglegs, passed away on July 6, 2025. He was 57 years old. Coach Carlesi was laid to rest on Friday, July 11, following a service at Staten Island’s Holy Child Church. John was more than just a coach; his love, energy, and dedication paved the way for his profound impact on both his players and their families. His presence will be greatly missed at Stuyvesant and beyond. 

Coach Carlesi, born August 29, 1967, grew up in Brooklyn. John grew up loving baseball; he was an avid Mets fan, and his favorite player was Pete Rose, whom he admired for his hustling playing style, toughness, and pure baseball intelligence. Later, he would bestow an annual Pete Rose award to a student who epitomized this style of play. John’s family’s connection to baseball cemented his passion for it, which later led to his coaching career. “Since I was a little kid, my family purchased a baseball camp and I was always around top-notch coaches,” he recalled in a 2020 interview with The Spectator. Carlesi later worked at this camp with his cousin. 

Coach Carlesi began his high school career at Xaverian and ultimately graduated from LaSalle in lower Manhattan. He then attended St Leo University in Florida, where he played Division II baseball. Carlesi was a starter on the varsity team and went on to play various positions—first base, second base, and the outfield—under coach Mike Marshall, a former major league pitcher. He was also asked to coach the junior varsity team. 

Coach Carlesi graduated St. Leo with a BS in Physical Education. After not being picked up by a major league baseball team, he decided to pursue a career in education. Following a short stint of substitute teaching across Brooklyn while studying for one of his two Master degrees, John began teaching at P.S. 230 in 1991. There, he met his future wife, Diane. Coach Carlesi went on to work at P.S. 230 for 33 years; he retired in 2024. 

While teaching, Coach Carlesi began coaching junior varsity baseball at Lincoln High School. He encountered Stuyvesant’s baseball team at his family’s baseball facility in Florida. There, the Peglegs’ coaches at the time asked Carlesi to work with some Stuyvesant players; when they returned to Florida, they asked Coach Carlesi if he was interested in coaching, as a former coach was retiring. He was named the team’s Head Varsity Baseball Coach in 2002. 

John had a successful tenure as Head Coach; he led the team to numerous winning seasons, including a semi-finals bid in 2022, and received various coaching awards, including 2024 Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance Coach of the Year. Beyond the accolades, Coach Carlesi’s renown came from the extraordinary impact he imparted on his athletes and their families. He was a pure-hearted individual who constantly went above and beyond to be there for his athletes, whether that meant traveling hours for extra practices or showcases, staying overnight in a hospital with an injured student and his family, or taking his team on trips to Mets games and his beach house. No matter the scenario, Coach Carlesi was always willing to lend a helping hand.

As Carlesi’s close friend and Brooklyn Technical High School baseball coach Joe Nardiello noted, “Coach Carlesi pretty much volunteered 95 percent of his time, effort, and travel to Stuy.” He created a batting cage for the Peglegs at the elementary school he worked at, and even employed many Stuy athletes in their first jobs.

Any student who was coached by John Carlesi has a story of his selflessness, fearlessness, and genuine concern. As one 2025 alumnus said, “What stood out most about Coach was his presence as a father figure. He was the only coach I knew who truly cared about every single one of his players on and off the field.” His sense of humor was also enough to brighten up one’s day. 

Above all, Carlesi’s persistent faith in his athletes was enough for them to believe in themselves, too. He endlessly encouraged his students to be their best selves—as both athletes and individuals—all while pursuing their passions. “Follow your dreams. If you want something hard enough, you’ll work at it and you’ll find the time to put into it,” he advised.

Beyond baseball, Coach Carlesi enjoyed fishing and boating. He cherished spending time with his family, to whom he was incredibly devoted. Carlesi also loved Superman—a fitting favorite for a hero in his own right. Much like the Man of Steel, he was an inspiration—a symbol of optimism and pure goodness.

Stuyvesant continues to mourn Coach Carlesi; he truly was a pillar of the community, and his absence will resonate with all those who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness and nobility will live on, through the Peglegs and the other innumerable lives he has touched.