Acording to his obituary, he served the local golf community for more than 50 years as a professional instructor and owner of the Cicero Golf Shop and driving range on Brewerton Road.
“He passionately assisted his customers – most of whom he could call friends – purchase the perfect golf equipment, learn the fundamentals and courtesies of playing golf, and master the complexities of the golf swing,” his obituary said. “He taught a countless number of golf lessons to individuals and groups throughout his career.”
In a 1984 profile in The Post-Standard, Jonick explained some of his teaching philosophies.
He preached the fundamentals like teaching a short backswing, keeping your head down, and tried to keep his students away from too much advice. Most beginners, he thought, had enough trouble without getting differing views on how to play.
“Golf is not easy,” he said with each instruction. “It takes time.”
Students Janet Girolamo and Dorothy Campbell with golf instructor Chuck Jonick in 1984. Syracuse Post-Standard
In 1987, a reporter sat in at one of Jonick’s lessons.
The instructor was described as “a thin, intense man,” who “never stops moving during his instructions.”
“He appears to be constantly thinking about grips, hand and feet placement, backswing, follow-through and the many other mechanics involved in hitting a tiny ball down a fairway and into a hole in the ground. The urgency of his voice and the intensity of his piercing blue eyes peeking out from under a floppy golf hat leave no doubt that Jonick believes in what he does. And says.”
Although extremely serious about the sport, Jonick also used humor in his lessons.
“Don’t ever think about keeping your eye on the ball,” he said. “How many times have you heard that advice? Forget it. It’s the worst thing you can think about.”
So, what should a golfer keep his or her eye on while swinging?
“Follow the ball,” Jonick said. “How else are you going to find it?”
His obituary said that it would be hard “to go anywhere within 50 miles of the golf shop and not meet someone who had taken a lesson or two from Chuck” or who did not know him in some other way.
He was a pillar of the local community and cared about everyone he met.
Charles “Chuck” Jonick was a local golf instructor for over 50 years and owned the Cicero Golf Shop. He died on April 18.
“One of the most common observations about Chuck was he never forgot the name or face of anyone he met, no matter how much time had passed,” his obituary said.
He routinely participated in charity events, donating time and equipment, and contributing to the community in a personal way.
Jonick served in the US Marine Corps Reserve from 1961 to 1966 as a tank driver.
He is survived by his son, Gary; his sister, Joanne; his brother, Ken, and their families, and “by countless friends and acquaintances in the community.”
“He will be remembered by many,” his obituary said.
Per his wishes, there will be no formal services.
A celebration of life for Jonick will be held at the Cicero Golf Shop and driving range at 8457 Brewerton Road, Cicero on Saturday, May 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.