John G. DeBiase
July 25, 1944 ~ March 5, 2026
Born in:
Brooklyn, NY
Resided in:
Port Jefferson Station, NY
John G. DeBiase, known to many as “Johnny D,” “Johnny Boy,” and more recently “Johnny Pockets,” passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 81. A resident of Port Jefferson Station, NY, John was born on July 25, 1944, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late John and Mary DeBiase.
John grew up in Brooklyn and Queens and attended Bishop Loughlin High School before continuing his education at St. John’s University, where he played baseball. He later earned his master’s degree from Stony Brook University and went on to dedicate many years of his life to education as a teacher at Farmingdale High School. During the summers, he worked at the summer camp at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Following his retirement, John remained active in the community and worked at the Trophy Hut.
Sports were one of John’s greatest passions. An avid athlete, he remained extremely active and fit throughout his life and continued playing softball—something few could match and a testament to his energy and love of the game. His dedication to softball earned him recognition as a member of the Softball Hall of Fame. Whether on the field or cheering from the sidelines, sports brought him great joy and fostered many of the friendships he cherished throughout his life. John was known for his loyalty and maintained lifelong friendships from high school, college, work, and the softball fields.
John is survived by his children, Janina (Chris), Sally (Dan), Christopher (Hilary), and Lauren (Mathew); his six cherished grandchildren, Zachary, Tyler, Matthew, Mia, Brady, and Shay; his sister, Debby; and Joan DeBiase. His grandchildren brought him immense pride and joy, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ilona, who passed away in 1983.
John will be remembered for his genuine, gentle, and stoic nature, his devotion to his family, and the many friendships he maintained throughout his life. His presence, loyalty, and quiet strength touched countless lives, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Services
Visitation: Friday, March 13, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place
551 Route 25A
MILLER PLACE, NY 11764
Visitation: Friday, March 13, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place
551 Route 25A
MILLER PLACE, NY 11764
Service: Saturday, March 14, 2026 10:30 am
Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place
551 Route 25A
MILLER PLACE, NY 11764
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My sympathies on your loss.
The Pagano Family
You were always special to me. I was friends with your Mom but didn’t know your Dad that well I do know that it was their love and encouragement that made you the special people that you are today
Please accept my condolences
Joan Altemus
Sending sympathies to his family.
John was my friend for more than fifty years. We worked together with the Town of Brookhaven’s Recreation Department. John was always professional in every role he was assigned. He was a three sport athlete who excelled in all that he competed in. John was an outstanding softball player who was inducted into the New York State Softball Hall of Fame. He loved his family and was a devoted grandfather. Rest in Peace my friend.
All our love,
Mary, Aiden and Logan
RIP JOHN
John was a great staff member for BERA Recreation at BNL for many years. He was great with the kids at Camp, well regarded by his colleagues, loved the camaraderie at the Lab, and he was the consummate athlete! I admired him as an employee, a very proud family man, mentor, sun-seeker, and a very loyal friend to those he held close. My condolences and best to his children, family, and to Billy F.
ANTHONY Prettitore John was a great player and also a great friend my condolences to Jonhs family. You will be missed by a Softball community rest in peace, my friend
Truly a great guy! Prayers to all John’s family members. I had the pleasure of getting to know John thru Softball. Always enjoyed speaking with him. May you rest in peace John. 🙏
Johnny D. was a great ballplayer and athlete, but more importantly John was a great man, person and it was my honor to call him my friend!!! I started playing softball with John in 1974 and as the years went by and I would see him he always asked about my family remembered each by name . RIP John and my condolences to his family…
RIP my friend. Too many memories to recall. Knew you for almost forty years and have always considered you a dear friend. Many laughs working with you as a counselor at Shoreham Wading River Teen Recreation. You will be missed John. I’ll be seeing you down the road. Until then, good luck on your new journey. With love, Bill Carlson
I am so glad you came into my life. You were an amazing man our paths crossing many times…first passing you in the hall in high school. Years later I wished I would have taken a few of your business classes.
Playing ball against you at the lab and then playing against you in the Brookhaven Senior Softball league. And finally run into you at the Sound Beach diner for breakfast.
My sincere sympathy to your family. You will be missed. But your picture in my high school yearbook will live 4 ever!
Mr. DeBiase was my teacher in HS. I remember him being one those teachers that was clearly born to teach. He was just a regular person and genuinely nice man. I will always think so fondly of him. He looks exactly the way I remember him. May he rest in peace
A great friend for 65 years. We spoke at least once per month and I will miss him very much. I met him in the Fall of 1963 at Bishop Loughlin. Played with him on the baseball and basketball teams with him, then again in the summers with THE LONG ISLAND REDMEN. Bill Permakoff, John ZARZICKI, Jack CRISPI, Reinhart Grismier, Larry Lembo and George Bruns and Tom Gilroy grew together, had lunches later in life and we will miss John and his wonderful family.
R.I.P. John. A GREAT FRIEND