John Zulberti Obituary – Death: John Zulberti, a four-time NCAA All-American lacrosse player at Syracuse University, has died. John Zulberti drowned in August 2021. He was 54 years old.
Zulberti teamed up with high-scoring teammates, the Gait brothers and Tom Marechek to lead the Orange to a 13-8 victory over Cornell in 1988.
He was named the winner of the Jack Turnbull award as the nation’s best forward in 1988 and 1989. He ranks among the all-time leaders in NCAA scoring, sixth of all time on Syracuse’s scoring list, and it even ranks among the all-time point getters in the History of New York Public Schools.
He also played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League for the Buffalo Bandits, playing in his inaugural 1992 season and again teaming up with Marechek to win a championship. Zulberti played high school lacrosse at mighty West Genesee High School, where he had 361 career points.
This is a developing story: We’ll give updates on the situation as we learn more.
John Zulberti, 4-time All American and 2-time National Champion, has passed away.
Z won the Jack Turnbull Award, awarded to the nation’s best attackman, in 1988 and 1989.
Zulberti also scored a point in 60 consecutive games; the record still stands today. @CitrusTVSports
— Trey Redfield (@Trey_Redfield) August 2, 2021
Just hearing the news about John Zulberti….total gut punch.
I was fortunate to spend so much time over the years with Z.
He loved the sport and gave so much of himself to younger players.
RIP Z. You will be missed.
— scottburnam (@scottburnam) August 2, 2021
Of all the famous attackmen that have donned the @CuseMLAX jersey, none ever matched John Zulberti’s 74-point freshman season.
He was the quarterback and metronome to the Gaits and Tom Marechek, and should absolutely be a hall-of-fame player. Wildly underrated.
R.I.P.
— Cam Macaulay (@CJMacaulay) August 2, 2021
Lindsay Kramer writes this remembrance of Z, including this quote. “There was a lot of great lacrosse players to come out of the area,” Steve Scaramuzzino said. “I don’t know if there was anyone greater than John Zulberti.”
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) August 2, 2021
Syracuse Legend John Zulberti Died Sunday at Age 54
I only had one opportunity to talk to him a few years ago but many of the Florida leaders played with and knew him. RIP.@tampalaxreport @LaxNorthfl @LaxOrlando @FLlaxclassic @fslca @LacrosseNaples— FloridaLacrosseNews (@FloridaLX) August 2, 2021
Sad news ….. I was lucky enough to play with John Zulberti in Placid for the ‘Shoes. Z loved the sport and he loved the people who played it. One of a kind ~ He will be missed 🙏🙏🙏 celebrate the life, and enjoy the highlights ~ tmrw is not guaranteed
— Booker Corrigan 🌎 (@BookerCorrigan) August 2, 2021
Crushed to hear about the passing of @CuseMLAX legend John Zulberti. One of the best I’ve ever played against! Z…RIP my friend #11🍊
— Joe Breschi (@coachbreschilax) August 2, 2021
God bless you, #JohnZulberti. You defined lacrosse for a generation. Thanks for the memories. Prayers for your family, friends and alums. 😿🍊🥍
— HoyaLikeThat, B.A., M.S.Ed. (@HoyaLikeThat) August 2, 2021