AHN mourns loss of coach, teacher

Carlo Cherubino, a beloved coach and teacher at the Academy of the Holy Names, died Nov. 14 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, after a brief illness. He is pictured here with fellow AHN students. (Provided photo)

Carlo Cherubino, a beloved coach and teacher at the Academy of the Holy Names, died Nov. 14 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, after a brief illness. 

“Carlo was a gifted educator and coach who inspired and nurtured our school community in countless ways,” said Dr. Martin Kilbridge, president of Holy Names. “He embodied the high standards and sincere devotion to forming strong young women we hold dear at Holy Names. His spirit will live on in our hearts.”

Renowned for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent for more than 45 years, Cherubino defined Academy of the Holy Names athletics. His passion for sports and commitment to the development of student-athletes has left an indelible mark on AHN’s sporting legacy. At the request of his wife, The Carlo Cherubino Memorial Fund will be established to honor his years of dedicated service.

Born in Italy before coming to Albany at the age of 12, Cherubino’s journey in sports began as a student-athlete in college. He excelled in cross-country and track, displaying natural leadership abilities both on and off the track. Cherubino’s academic excellence and athletic achievements earned him a scholarship to the University at Albany, where he shined as a dedicated runner and team captain.

Cherubino is a 2023 inductee of the UAlbany Hall of Fame as a member of the 1973 men’s cross-country team and 1987 inductee as a solo runner.

Cherubino began his Holy Names career in 1978. Four years later, Cherubino was named athletic director when AHN joined the Colonial Council. His vision to transform the sports program and instill a sense of camaraderie and excellence among the students was immediately apparent, as was his ability to inspire young athletes.

Under his leadership, AHN’s athletic department witnessed a remarkable upswing, boasting an array of successful sports teams and individual athletes. During his tenure, Cherubino led Holy Names’ outdoor and indoor track and field and cross-country teams to more than 60 titles combined from New York State, Section II and the Colonial Council.

During the early 1980s, AHN athletics included basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, tennis and cheerleading at Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) and LaSalle Institute as part of a private school league, which included Albany Academy, Emma Willard and Doane Stuart.

Cherubino oversaw the expansion of that program and its continued growth and success with the addition of outdoor and indoor track, cross-country, skiing, lacrosse, golf and swimming.

In addition to track and field and cross-country, Cherubino coached soccer for 26 years, notching 303 wins in Section II, including four Colonial Council League titles, two sectional and one regional championship. He was also named Section II Coach of the Year in 1997 and New York State Soccer Coach of the Year in 1998.

Cherubino’s coaching philosophy emphasized not only winning but also promoting character development, teamwork and perseverance. He firmly believed sports could teach valuable life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Through his mentorship and support, Cherubino nurtured a generation of student-athletes who excelled not only in sports but also in their academic pursuits and personal growth.

Under his guidance, Academy of the Holy Names became renowned for its inclusive sports programs, welcoming students of all skill levels and backgrounds. Cherubino was instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive environment that encouraged students to pursue their passions and achieve their fullest potential.

In 2024, Academy of the Holy Names dedicated the Carlo Cherubino Athletic Hall of Fame in his honor. 

Cherubino is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa A. Cherubino (Ashline); and his stepdaughter, Kristina Cherubino. He was the devoted brother of Rosanna Bongiorno (Felice), Elena Giglio (the late Giacomo) and Roberto Caricari. He was “Zio Carlo” to Adriano Bongiorno (Vanessa), Sabrina Mason (Greg), Giacomo Giglio, Daniele Giglio (Christine), Teresa Giglio and Antonio Caricari.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Nov. 20 at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park. Entombment will be in Most Holy Redeemer in Niskayuna.

The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Carlo Cherubino Memorial Fund, C/O Academy of the Holy Names, 1075 New Scotland Road, Albany, N.Y., 12208, or by visiting the website https://ahns.org/give-now.