Joe D’Alessandris, a longtime college and NFL offensive line coach who was in his eighth season with the Baltimore Ravens, died early Sunday morning, the team announced.
He was 70.
D’Alessandris was hospitalized earlier this month with an acute illness. He experienced complications from a surgery earlier this summer, according to the Ravens.
“Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D’Alessandris’ passing early this morning,” the Ravens said in a statement.
“‘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.”
During his 45-year coaching career, D’Alessandris worked for the Chargers, Bills and Chiefs in the NFL.
The Aliquippa, Pa. native, who played at Western Carolina, began coaching with Livingston University in 1977 and had college stops that included Georgia Tech, Duke, Pittsburgh and Texas A&M.
He also coached in the CFL.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better. He was our reader at team mass, and he was loved by all here,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement.
“He was a great coach and a good man — the kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend.”
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta described D’Alessandris as a “rock” for the organization.
“He cared about the team deeply, exhibiting a relentless passion to excel while displaying genuine love for his players,” DeCosta said in a statement. “I especially treasure my conversations with him, talking about football and life. I will always remember standing back with Joe on the practice field and watching him up close with his players. Coach was the consummate teacher and friend, and I will miss him deeply.
D’Alessandris is survived by his three daughters, Anna, Emily and Kelly.
His wife, Toni, died in 2022 from a rare form of Parkinson’s disease.
