Joe Daniels

Joseph R. Daniels, a devoted husband, adoring father and grandfather, steadfast brother and dear friend, received the ultimate gift of healing on December 4, 2011, when he went home to be with the Lord. Coach Joe Daniels, 69, was born in Pittsburgh, PA, November 15, 1942, to the late Raymond and Carmella (Adams) Daniels. After a courageous and dignified battle with cancer and heart complications, Daniels completed his life’s purpose and joined the angels in heaven. He modeled integrity and sincerity in every aspect of life. He will be remembered as a patient, unselfish, unassuming, loving, loyal, and honest man. His infectious smile was constant, complimenting his dry sense of humor. Joe never met a stranger and saw good in everyone. Joe had an undying love for his family, friends, colleagues, and players. He practiced his faith and hope in God diligently.

Joe graduated from Bethel Park High School and earned his Bachelor of Science from Slippery Rock University, lettering in football and gymnastics. He was inducted into the Bethel Park Hall of Fame and the Slippery Rock Athletic Hall of Fame. Joe completed his Masters in Education from East Stroudsburg State. His coaching career began at Johnstown High School in Johnstown, PA and ended at The Ohio State University. His career spanned over 40 years as he passionately coached for the University of New Hampshire, Boston College, West Virginia University, University of Pittsburgh, the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, Akron, New York Jets, and the University of Cincinnati, before his longest coaching tenure under friend, Jim Tressel, where he served as quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. Joe felt fortunate to coach many fine athletes and treasured each relationship. He earned many honors and accolades during his coaching career, which he humbly accepted. He was inducted into the Western PA chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, a finalist for the 2007 Broyles Award, and the 2009 Tyson Gentry Courage Award.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Kathy (Hampton) Daniels; daughter, Kaitlin Daniels, son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jenny Daniels; grandson, Joseph Stephen Daniels; brother, Anthony (Nancy) Daniels, and father and mother-in-law Jimmy and Emma Hampton; brother-in-law, Michael (BJ) Hampton. Nieces and nephews, Dawn, Hunter, Cade Herdman, Kelly (Trevor), Nick, Drew Lauer, Marc (Melissa), Blake, Keaton Daniels, Jarrod Hampton, Josh, Billy (Breanne) Fulson.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 8 from 3-8pm at Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230. Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, December 9 at The New Albany Church of the Resurrection. Interment to follow in Maplewood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Uplifting Athletes (upliftingathletes.org).