John Verbo, a Colonie High School athlete, is survived by his parents, Michael and Yvonne Verbo.
Verbo, a junior at Colonie High School, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 16 in Tufts Medical Center in Boston, after suffering a cardiac arrest at a volleyball tournament.
Highlights
- John Verbo suffered a cardiac arrest on February 21, 2025, and was pronounced dead on February 25, 2025, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
- Verbo was born to his father, Michael Verbo, and his mother, Yvonne Verbo.
- His brother, Allen Verbo, has been listed as a member of the men’s volleyball team at Russell Sage College.
Four days earlier, Verbo suffered cardiac arrest while playing at the Boston Volleyball Festival with the Clifton Park-based Capital Sliders volleyball club.
According to a report, Boston police responded to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on February 21, 2025, for the report of a cardiac arrest. Verbo was later taken to the hospital.
Colonie Central High School principal Bill Behrle poured a small tribute by stating,
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Verbo, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” “John was a bright presence on the court and in our school community. His leadership and dedication to his teammates and peers made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our school, and our priority is to support the Verbo family, our students and our staff as they navigate their grief.”
Bill Behrle
Sub-teacher at Capital Region BOCES, Christine Pearson Koep, also took to her Facebook handle and wrote,
This is a heartbreaking tragedy! The loss is devastating. I hope the family can find peace in the love that embraced him!
Christine Pearson Koepp
In addition, Odette Fung of Guilderland organized a GoFundMe page. On the page, she identified herself as a volleyball parent with a son on Verbo’s Capital Sliders team and raised more than $76,000 to support Verbo’s family.
As per John’s family, the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie.
John Verbo’s Parents Are Mourning The Tragic Loss Of Their Son
John Verbo, 16, was born in Albany on May 15, 2008, to his father, Michael, and his mother, Yvonne Verbo.
His parents have supported him since childhood to build his career in sports. However, Yvonne and Michael are currently mourning the loss of John.
Close friends and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to John’s parents to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
John’s parents have kept their details private, but his mother, Yvonne, frequently posts pictures of their travels on her Facebook page.
On July 22, 2024, Yvonne and her entire family went to Disneyland to celebrate their vacation. She posted glimpses of their trip on her Facebook.
Colonie High School’s Athlete John Verbo Had Two Brothers
John Verbo grew up playing volleyball with his two brothers, Mark and Allen Verbo.
According to the source, Allen is also a student-athlete who attended Central High School and played volleyball.
He later enrolled at Hudson Valley Community College, where he is currently majoring in Individual studies.
Allen was named to the Fall 2023 President’s List and the Spring Dean’s List at HVCC.
He has also been listed as a member of the men’s volleyball team at Russell Sage College. At 5-foot-6 and 200 pounds, he plays as a libero (L) and has an approach reach of 9 feet 2 inches.
On the other hand, Mark Verbo is a freshman Volleyball player at Colonie Central High School. He plays as an outside hitter (OH) and wears jersey #4 for the varsity volleyball team.
At 5 feet 10 inches, he is part of the 2024-25 Colonie Central Wolfpack team, which has an overall record of 6-3 and ranks 27th in New York State.
Mark and Allen are mourning the loss of their supportive brother, John Verbo.
Additional Information
- John Verbo played outside hitter and wore the #11 jersey at Colonie Central High School.
- Verbo was 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed around 60 kg.
