Kevin Carriero

Sept. 4, 1947-July 14, 2025

Of Lancaster, N.Y. - The often referred to, "Godfather of Section VI track" died after a week-long stay at home in Lancaster while under the care of Hospice, social workers and his former athletes. He spent the previous three weeks at Sister's Hospital in Buffalo battling liver and kidney failure. Kevin was 77. He survived two bouts of pancreatic cancer in 1999 and 2004 earning the nickname, "Miracle Man" by his doctors. Kevin met the challenges of serious illness with dignity and grace.

He retired as Lancaster High School's varsity track and field coach in 2019 following a 48-year career that began in 1971. He, along with assistant coach George Rak, coached numerous Section VI and New York State champions, with many continuing their careers in college. He would tell his athletes no matter how far they traveled, Lancaster would always be home.

Kevin was raised in North Buffalo. He was the only son of Joseph and Ruth Carriero. Kevin was a 1965 graduate of Bennett High School where he was a basketball teammate of future NBA Hall of Famer, Bob Lanier. Kevin is survived by four cousins, Bob Growe (Elaine) of Honoeye Falls, New York, Ann Stevenson (Richard) of Lancaster, Barbara Colern (Robert) of Cheektowaga and Karen Kelly (Chuck) of Getzville. Since 1991 Kevin lived in a log cabin on Erie Street in Lancaster. His much-loved Labrador Retrievers, whom he called "The Boys," were Casey and Buck.

Kevin graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1969 where he was a member of the track team.

He began his career in education that September at age 21 when he was hired as a physical education teacher at Como Park Elementary in Lancaster. He moved to the high school in 1977 and remained there until he was forced to retire after his initial diagnosis of cancer in 1999 at age 49. When the cancer returned in 2004, he beat the odds again following numerous rounds of treatment and the amazing care of his doctors and nurses. He returned to the school district in 2005 and worked 12 more years as a pool lifeguard.

Along with track, Kevin coached other sports including: cross country, indoor track and younger levels of football. He had many outside interests, including competitive bait casting. He was a five-time participant in the National Casting Championships winning a gold medal in 1984.

Visitations at the Wendel & Loecher Funeral Home, 27 Aurora St. Lancaster on Friday, July 18 from 1-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, Lancaster, Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial luncheon at the Lancaster Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kevin Carriero Track & Field Scholarship Fund

https://www.gofundme.com/f/coach-kevin-carriero-track-field-scholarship

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