An Ohio high school has been left in mourning following the sudden death of their former longtime football coach.
Joe Pierro died at the age of 60 this month after being struck by lightning while mowing the lawn at his home in Steubenville, Ohio, according to local reports.
The tragic incident came just three weeks after he retired from his role as a baseball and football coach and teacher at Steubenville High School following 30 years.
‘The Big Red family suffered a terrible loss with the sudden passing of longtime teacher, coach, colleague and friend, Joe Pierro,’ the school said in a statement via Facebook.
‘Joe dedicated much of his life to helping young people learn, grow, compete, and believe in themselves. His impact reached far beyond the classroom and playing field – through the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the relationships he built.’
The statement continued, ‘We extend our deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends, colleagues, former students and players during this incredibly difficult time. The legacy of Coach Joe P. will live on in the many lives he helped shape.
An Ohio coach, Joe Pierro, died at the age of 60 this month after being struck by lightning
The tragic incident came three weeks after he retired as a coach at Steubenville High School
‘Rest in peace, Joe. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered. The legacy of Coach Joe P. will live on in the many lives he helped shape. Rest in peace, Joe. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.’
Pierro is survived by his mother, Shirley, his son, Michael, and daughter, Mia.
‘How am I going to do this life without you?! I love you so much, dad,’ Mia wrote on Facebook.
Steubenville High School dedicated Friday night’s football game to Pierro just hours after he died.
‘He was fun to be around,’ Steubenville High School head coach Reno Saccoccia told WTRF. ‘Always had a few laughs. But when it was time to work, he worked, and he worked hard. He took a lot of pride in what he did. So that’s probably what I’ll miss about him the most, is his hard work and dedication and his time for fun and laughter.’
Pierro’s obituary acknowledged his love of sports, while praising his role as a mentor to young athletes in baseball and football.
Pierro is survived by his mother, Shirley, his son, Michael, and daughter, Mia (pictured left)
Steubenville High School led the emotional tributes to the late coach after his passing
His former student athletes turned Steubenville High gym teacher Justin Banks hailed Pierro as a close friend and mentor.
‘Joe came into my life when I was just a kid and he was one of my coaches,’ Banks wrote on Facebook. ‘Back then, I never could have known that the guy coaching me would eventually become one of my best friends and such a huge part of my life.
‘Over the years, Joe went from being my coach, to my friend, to family. He stood beside me at my wedding. He was there as I became a husband, a dad, and eventually a coach myself. When someone has been part of your life for that long, you just assume they’re going to keep being there.’
He added: ‘I was lucky enough to have you as a coach, but I was even luckier to have you as one of my best friends.’
