JOSEPH S. VADINI

JOSEPH S. VADINI March 31, 1930 - March 31, 2013. Legendary teacher and football coach passed away surrounded by his loving family on his 83rd. birthday. A graduate of John Marshall High School in 1948 who excelled in football, wrestling and baseball. He was also a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, he attended Morningside College in Iowa where he played football for the legendary Coach George Allen. He earned a varsity letter there before transferring to Mount Union College. At Mount Union he was named "Ohio Conference First Team Fullback" and "All Ohio First Team Linebacker" in 1951. In 1952, he played football for the U.S. Army, Camp Breckenridge, where the team was the All Army Champions. He was involved in amateur baseball from 1943 - 1952. It was at Mount Union that he met his wife of 56 years, Thelma Vizzuso. in many of his speaking appearances, he referred to her as his backbone and attributed his lofty career to her. After college, Coach Vadini went to his alma mater, John Marshall High School where he was the assistant coach in football and wrestling from 1954 - 1957. But, it was his next position that was to be the most notable in his career. He went to Brecksville High School to coach and teach history, physical education and eventually became a guidance counselor. In 1958 he became the head coach for Brecksville High School until 1984. During that time his overall record was 172 wins, 67 losses and 9 ties. His teams won 8 league championships, one regional championship and one state championship. He had four (4) unbeaten teams, 1963, 1964, 1972 and 1983. He culminated his coaching career at Brecksville with a "Division II State Championship" with the well-known quarterback Tom Tupa. Besides coaching football, he also founded and coached the wrestling program at Brecksville High, were he co-founded the Brecksville Holiday Tournament, which is the oldest holiday tournament in Ohio. In his storybook ending, Coach Vadini retired in 1984 from Brecksville and then went on to become a guidance counselor and defensive co-coordinator for Padua Franciscan High School. He coached there for 22 years. After Padua, he then went on to coach football and wrestling with his son Joe, Jr. at North Royalton Middle School. Some of his numerous honors and awards include: League Coach of the year - 6 times. Greater Cleveland Coach of the Year in 1972, Northeast Coach of the year 1972, 1975 and 1983, Sun West Coach of the Year 1984, State AAA Coach of the Year 1983, Head Coach of the Cuyahoga County East/West All Star Game, 1974, Head Coach of the North/South All Star Game 1984, Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, Brecksville High School Hall of Fame, John Marshall Hall of Fame, Mount Union Hall of Fame, Parma Athletic Hall of Fame, Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, Lee Tressel Award, Cleveland Touchdown Club, Tip of the Hat Award (Sports Media Association of Cleveland. His greatest coaching accomplishment after retiring was the coaching and care for his ailing wife, Thelma. A member of Holy Family Parish in Parma, Ohio he was an usher there for 35 years. Joe was involved in the Parma Planning Commission for 11 years and gave numerous talks to different organizations. His life was dedicated to young men and women through his ability to coach and guide them into a prosperous and honorable adulthood. He is the beloved husband of the late Thelma (nee Vizzuso). Loving father of Anthony (Christine), Mark (Joan), Cindi Williams (Tim) and Joseph (Beth). Cherished grandfather of Tarah, Kristen, Anthony, Jr., Joe, Tim, Rachael, Nick and Kaylee. Dear brother of Patricia Moore (late Les), Grace D'Orazio (late Lou), Dominic Vadini (deceased) (Joanne) and Mario Vadini. Dearest uncle, cousin and friend of many, especially those he coached throughout his years at Brecksville, Padua and North Royalton High Schools. U.S. Army WW II Veteran. Mass of Christian Burial, Holy Family Church (York Rd) Friday April 5, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends received Thursday 2 - 4 & 5 - 8 PM at THE A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD (West of I-71) 440-260-8800. Visitation April 04, 2013 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM A.RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME 18149 BAGLEY ROAD MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH (440) 260-8800 Mass of Christian Burial April 05, 2013 10:00 AM Holy Family Church 7367 York Road Parma, OH (440) 842-5533 Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery 14609 Brookpark Road Brook Park, OH