Ithaca, NY — The Ithaca community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of John McNally, a longtime physical education teacher in the Ithaca City School District and a dedicated member of the Ithaca Bombers coaching staff. His passing, announced this week, has left students, colleagues, athletes, and community members reeling with grief.
John McNally was more than just an educator and coach—he was a fixture in the halls, on the fields, and in the lives of countless young people who had the privilege of learning from him. A proud 1999 graduate of Ithaca, McNally’s connection to Bomber athletics began even earlier. In 1996, while still a student, he joined the coaching staff as a student assistant, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the program and its student-athletes.
The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Throughout his decades of service, McNally built a legacy defined by mentorship, integrity, and unwavering dedication. He served as outfield coach and first-base coach for the Bombers, earning the respect of players and fellow coaches alike for his strategic insight, calm demeanor, and tireless support of the team.
After completing his undergraduate degree in health and physical education, McNally went on to earn his master’s degree in exercise science in 2001, all while continuing to serve Ithaca’s athletic department as a graduate assistant. His passion for physical wellness and student development led him to a career in teaching, where he inspired generations of students with his energy, compassion, and belief in the power of education through movement.
John McNally’s legacy will live on in every student he taught, every player he coached, and every life he touched. As the Ithaca community begins to heal, there is comfort in knowing that his influence will echo through the district’s classrooms, locker rooms, and playing fields for years to come.
John McNally, thank you for a life dedicated to learning, leading, and lifting others. You will be deeply missed—and never forgotten.