Johnny Caruana Obituary: San Giljan Aquatic Sports Club sadly announces the demise of Johnny Caruana, popularly known as “il-Kane,” a highly esteemed former player and coach of the women’s water polo team and youth groups. His impact on the club and the sport of water polo in Malta is immeasurable, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Johnny’s time at San Giljan ASC was characterized by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to fostering the development of young talent. His enthusiasm for water polo transcended the confines of the pool, as he instilled a sense of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship in every player he guided. Through his guidance, a multitude of young athletes thrived and developed into exceptional players, demonstrating his coaching prowess and nurturing disposition.
The praise and recognition Johnny received from acquaintances, relatives, and former colleagues serve as evidence of his profound impact on the people around him. Martin Id Delina Giljaniz perceptively remarked on Johnny’s ability to brighten any room with his smile and captivating storytelling. He emphasized that Johnny “was a man who consistently displayed a jovial attitude toward everyone,” highlighting how one might easily become engrossed in Johnny’s well-known stories to the point of losing awareness of time.
His lively and friendly nature made him not just a coach, but also a mentor and trusted advisor to many. Ray Xuereb concurred with these sentiments, recalling Johnny as an intimate comrade during their tenure in both the police and the army. His words convey the spirit of camaraderie that extended beyond the realm of sports, highlighting Johnny’s remarkable ability to form lasting bonds with the individuals he met.
The community’s tremendous sorrow underscores the significant influence he had, not only in water polo but in the lives of all those lucky to have known him. As we mourn this momentous calamity, we offer our thoughts and sincere condolences to Johnny’s family during this difficult time. Without a doubt, his indomitable spirit will endure in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have regarded him as a friend.
“May he attain perpetual serenity,” as many people have conveyed, recognizing that in a place beyond our own, he will be offering instruction to future generations of water polo athletes with the same passion and compassion he displayed throughout his life