Eugene "Sonny" Degyansky. Age 89. Passed away peacefully on January 22nd. Beloved husband of Barbara (nee Peresta). Dear father of Martin L. (Janet), Carol J. Long (Warren), Daniel J. (Kathleen) and Matthew D. (Rheanna LaRoche). Beloved grandfather of 11 and great grandfather of 14. Deepest gratitude to the staff of Seasons of Life Hospice. Blessed in marriage and health, fortunate and privileged to work with a multitude of students, mentors, parents and colleagues as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator.
Memorial Service; Tuesday, January 26th, 11:00 am at St. James Lutheran 4771 Broadview Rd. Cleveland, OH 44109. Reception to follow. Visitation; Monday, 2-8 at The Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd. Parma (between Ridge and Snow).
Sonny graduated from BW in 1949 and was inducted into the Alumni Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1971.
The highlight of Eugene Degyansky's athletic career was in 1949 when he was named B-W's Outstanding Athlete and reveived the Cleveland Touchdown Club's Football Player of the Year Award. "Sonny" captained the basketball team and received All-Big Four, two years.
All-Ohio, and All-Big Four football awards earned him a chance with the New York Giants, but he later asked for his release to go into coaching.
Gene embarked upon a successful coaching career at West High School and always retained his philosophy in a time of offensive battles that "defense makes a good team."
In eight years
he led West High to three West Senate titles and in 1952 they won the championship.
In 1957, he became head coach at Lakewood High and his successes continued as the Rangers won four District Championships. After being selected Cuyahoga County Coach of the Year in 1963, Gene retired from coaching.
He was a charter member of the B-W Lettermen's Association and his numerous campus activities placed in Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges.
He went on to be the coodinator of guidance at Lakewood High School and a member of the Lake Erie Association of Counselors and the Ohio Education Association.
