All-around pocket-billiard talent Johnny Ervolino passed away on Saturday, Feb. 19, due to congestive heart failure. Ervolino, a resident of Henderson, Nev., was 69.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ervolino was known to be a ferocious money player with great pool intelligence and a soft cue ball. His best games were one-pocket and straight pool, although he was adept at most games.

In 1947, at age 12, Ervolino won a national junior championship. By 16, he had dropped out of school and rented his own apartment a few blocks from the New York City poolroom 7-11. Early in his career he was befriended by such legends as Jack “Jersey Red” Breit, James Evans and Cisero Murphy, and the husky-voiced shooter later served as a mentor for many New York-based players, including George “Ginky” SanSouci. His major tournament wins included the one-pocket title at the 1971 Stardust National in Las Vegas. Ervolino also moved to the Las Vegas area in 1971, but still made frequent trips back to New York City.

Survivors include two daughters, Nicole Ervolino and Linda Peterson, and his former wife, Margaux Ervolino.