John Andrew Macknowsky

John Andrew Macknowsky (born January 7, 1923) left those of us who loved him on the day of the eclipse, 8 April 2024, at age 101 after a full life. 

John — known in his youth by the nickname Whitey because of his blond hair—played professionally in both the National Basketball League (NBL) and National Basketball Association (NBA). Alongside his friend and roommate, Dolph Schayes, “Whitey” Macknowsky played for the Syracuse Nationals franchise for three years until an injury prematurely ended his NBA career. The Syracuse Nationals became the Philadelphia 76-ers when they relocated in 1963. John is recognized by the NBA Retired Players Association as one of their “Legends”.

John began his association with basketball during his years at Lincoln High School in Hudson County, New Jersey where he received All-City, All-County & All-State honors in 1941. In 1996, he was inducted into the Hudson County Sports Hall of Fame.

John received his bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University in 1948 where he honed his skills under the direction of Coach Honey Russell. He was most fond of his time at Seton Hall and was named both All-American and “King of Campus” during his senior year there. In 1975, John was inducted into the Seton Hall University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1978, he received the Honey Russell Award from Seton Hall.

John Macknowsky served during World War II as Specialist A First Class in the United States Navy. During his service, he represented Sampson Naval Base in an occasional basketball game.

John, received his Master of Arts degree in Education from Montclair State College in June 1966. He taught English and U.S. History at Parsippany-Troy Hills High School, NJ. “Mr. Mack” also coached basketball at Parsippany High School, then became Head Coach at Drew University in Madison, NJ from 1963-1969.

At retirement, John and Olga moved to Dandridge, where they truly appreciated the beauty of Jefferson County. His beloved Olga, wife of 66 years, passed away in 2016.

John Macknowsky is the author of the book: “Dawn of a New Age: Dynamics of Basketball”.

John had a way of becoming a friend to everyone he met. He will be most missed by his three daughters and their families who dearly loved him: Christina & Neil Bufler, Carole & Doug Stoiber, Eva Hyer, six grandchildren Alex Bufler, Nick Bufler, Lily Rose Kerrigan, Cole Stoiber, Christopher Barrett and Devin Barrett, and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be privately held by the family.