For more than 30 years, John Kucko was the heart and soul of the Rochester sports media. Whether it was a Rochester Amerks hockey game, or a Rochester RazorSharks basketball matchup, Kucko brought the action to Western New York viewers.
At the same time, Kucko explored his enjoyment with digital photography. His “Sixty Seconds of Serenity” Facebook posts – photos of serene moments throughout the Finger Lakes and the Rochester area – helped people get through tough times.
He was actually the one who initially broke the news of Union Pacific 4014 “Big Boy” traveling through New York, and I corresponded with him regarding prime shooting locales. Although we both agreed Letchworth State Park’s Genesee Arch Bridge would create a spectacular image, he suggested other spots that were off the beaten path, where the crowds were smaller and the compositions would be just as incredible.
Last week, Kucko posted a shot at one of his favorite spots, Letchworth State Park, where he captured the elusive double rainbow.
On the way home from that photo shoot, however … Kucko suffered a horrific car crash. Details of the injury and rescue can be found at this Rochester Democrat and Chronicle link.
And what’s worse is – the car crash revealed that Kucko was suffering from a previously undiagnosed brain tumor. Rescue teams got him to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Thankfully, he is safe and now on the road to recovery.
But recovery is not an instantaneous process. The journey has its own challenges.
Even with that, the outpouring of love and support for John Kucko in both the Rochester sports and photography communities was overwhelming. Truly tremendous. And we all wish him the best.
Next week, I’m traveling to Western New York for a chance to capture stellar images of Big Boy as it treks to Pennsylvania. And although the photos themselves will have meaning …
They will be especially meaningful in that I’m capturing images that were inspired by a Rochester legend.
John Kucko will survive this challenge. He has heart and determination and the support of thousands.
Well, at least a thousand and one. 😀
Get well soon, John. We’ve got this for you. We won’t let you down.
Chuck The Writer 
Thanks for doing this for John. His pictures are spectacular
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here’s to john and his recovery. he sounds like a legend on many fronts
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