Joe D’Alessandris, a former offensive line coach for the Virginia offense who spent almost 50 years coaching for four NFL clubs, passed away on Sunday at the age of 70. The Baltimore Ravens, where D’Alessandris had been training since 2017, confirmed his demise. He had consequences from surgeries he underwent over the summer and was in the hospital earlier this month.
The team announced in a statement that” we have hearts ache with grief and sadness over the news of coach Joe D’Alessandris ‘ passing early this morning. “‘Joe D. ‘ lived a life of infinite trust, love, dedication and inspiration. As a spouse, parents, father, friend and mentor, Joe made every person he encountered really feeling like they were the most important person in the world”.
D’Alessandris, born on April 29, 1954, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, had a different training career that included stints in the CFL, World League, and various institutions before he made his way to the NFL. Prior to joining the Eagles under head coach John Harbaugh, he worked as an assistant manager for the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers.
D’Alessandris, a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 1977, began his coaching career there as a doctoral helper. Throughout his profession, he coached at various schools, including Livingston University, Memphis, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Samford, Texas A&, M, Pittsburgh, Duke, and Georgia Tech.
” Discipline’ Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better”, Harbaugh said. He was a group size reader, and everyone in attendance adored him. He was a great teacher and a great man, the kind of person you are grateful to have as a companion. He raised three amazing, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving father. His grandchildren even adored him. I admired him, loved him and am going to lose him, because’ Joe D.’ was a joy”.
