July 6, 2004
News arrived late last week of the death of former Siena student athlete Jeff Muszynski, who was fatally shot near his Atlanta home. Muszynski was a four-year letterwinner in basketball from 1993-1997 and played one season of football in 1997.
"The Siena community is heartbroken to hear of Jeff's passing," Director of Athletics John D'Argenio said. "During his time at Siena, Jeff always had a smile on his face, and was someone his coaches, teammates and friends enjoyed being around. It is extremely painful to see a young person with such a bright future taken from us so suddenly. Our hearts and prayers are with his friends and family."
When contacted by the Albany Times Union, former Siena Head Coach Mike Deane, who recruited Muszynski, commented, "Jeff was a great kid. He was a really good-looking guy and a nice kid. He was a quiet, unassuming guy. Like all the kids at Siena, he had a great deal of respect for the opportunity he was given and made the most of it."
Teammate Geoff Walker told the Times Union ""He would go through a wall for you. He was a great teammate and one of the best athletes I ever played with. He was a just a good all-around guy."
Muszynski appeared in 110 games throughout his four-year (1993-1997) career with the Siena men's basketball team, averaging 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. In the fall of 1997 he played for the Saints football team, leading the squad in receptions with 25. He was born September 22, 1974 in Buffalo, N.Y., where he attended St. Joseph's High School.
Muszynski's family will be present to receive friends Tuesday and Wednesday (July 6-7) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the O'Connell-Murphy Funeral Home, 2286 South Park Ave., Buffalo where funeral will be held Thursday at 8:45 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Ambrose Church at 9:30. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to St. Joseph Collegiate Institute, 845 Kenmore Ave., Tonowanda, NY 14223. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.oconnellfh.com.
