Joe D’Alessandris, an offensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, has reportedly passed away at the age of 70.
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in a post on Instagram, the Baltimore Ravens announced Joe D’Alessandris passed away in the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 25.
“Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D’Alessandris’ passing early this morning,” the team wrote. “‘Joe D.’ lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion, and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and coach. Joe made every individual he encountered truly feel like they were the most important person in the world.”
The Baltimore Ravens also explained that anyone fortunate enough to have spent time with Joe D’Alessandria was forever touched by his genuine and uplifting nature. “He had the amazingly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy, and kindness,” the team continued. “Further spreading those important virtues into the everyday life of the world.”
The team went on to state that D’Alessandria was a “force multiplier,” which is described as an individual who makes everyone around him better. “As a coach, he was certainly that. But far more importantly, it’s also a proper characterization of Joe D’Alessandris as a person – someone who undoubtedly created a legacy of love and impact that will live on forever.”
According to The New York Post, D’Alessandris was hospitalized at the beginning of August with an acute illness. She also experienced complications from a surgery he had earlier this summer.
D’Alessandris notably coached football for 45 years. He coached with Livingston University, Georgia Tech, Duke, Pittsburgh, and Texas A&M. The coach then headed to the NFL and worked for the Chargers, Bills, and Chiefs before working with the Ravens for eight years.
Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh Issues Statement About Joe D’Alessandris
Along with the team, Baltimore Ravens head coach, John Harbaugh, also spoke out about Joe D’Alessandris’ passing.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith,” he shared. “He made us all better. He was our reader at team mass, and he was loved by all here.”
Harbaugh then shared that D’Alessandris was a great coach and good man as well as the kind of person everyone was honored to have as a friend.
“He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving husband. His grandkids also adored him. I admired him, loved him, and am going to miss him, because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy.”
He went on to add, “May God bless ‘Joe D.’ forever.”