John V. Morabito

John V. Morabito, 72, of Sennett, NY, passed away on May 31, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 6, 1954, in Auburn, New York, John was a man of extraordinary generosity, boundless enthusiasm, and a warmth that made him a friend to everyone he met.

John married the love of his life, Darlene Weslowski, on October 26, 1974, and together they built a life filled with adventure, good food, great wine, and an unwavering devotion to family. He worked proudly as a union plumber and pipefitter with UA Local 81, bringing the same dedication to his trade that he brought to everything he loved.

Drum corps was a defining passion in John's life. As a member of the Auburn Purple Lancers, he played mellophone with the corps during their 1974 DCI finalist season. He met Darlene there as she was also a member of the corps. He served as president of the alumni group and tirelessly organized events through the years to bring former members back together, keeping the spirit of the Lancers alive for generations.

John and Darlene were true partners in every sense. Together they traveled extensively through Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America, with a special love for Italy, Puerto Rico, and New Orleans. They studied Italian with a private tutor for four years to deepen their connection to Italy, and they took French, Italian, and Cajun cooking classes together. John was an accomplished chef and BBQ Pitmaster who, alongside Darlene, cooked daily meals not only for their household but for his mother, Ida, and his father-in-law Bob Weslowski as well.

A certified oenophile, he brought the same curiosity and joy to wine that he brought to the kitchen. A dedicated dog lover, John and Darlene volunteered on committees that led to the creation of both Lakeside Dog Park in Auburn and Sennett Town Dog Park. He was also a passionate nature enthusiast and conservationist who worked with the Onondaga Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The bluebird boxes he built on his Sennett property have fledged broods of Eastern Bluebirds every year since 1995. He was also an avid bowler with several 700 series to his credit.

John beat cancer in 2020 and enjoyed years of good health before the disease returned in March 2026. He faced it with the same courage and spirit that defined his entire life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene Weslowski Morabito; his son, Mark R. Morabito; his mother, Ida Morabito; and his brother, David (Patti) Morabito. He was predeceased by his father Nate Morabito as well as his brother, Michael Morabito (Mary Ann). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and dozens of cousins.

John embraced life to the fullest and was always eager to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. His kindness, empathy, and infectious enthusiasm left an indelible mark on all who knew him. The world is a little quieter without him, but so much richer for the life he lived.

There will be a Celebration of Life for John on June 19. Details are incomplete at this time, but will be released as soon as they are finalized.