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John Joseph Idzik
John Joseph Idzik passed away at the age of 85 resting peacefully with loved ones by his side at his home in Chadds Ford, PA on December 3, 2013. John was born on June 25, 1928 in Bridesburg, PA as the youngest of 9 children to Johanna and Jacenty Idzik. Among his 8 siblings John is survived by his sister Laura Novasack and he was preceded in death by brothers Jules and Matthew, and sisters Josephine, Stella, Stephany, Bernice, and Mary. John is also survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Joyce Joann (Hoppensteadt) Idzik, who stood faithfully by his side through his final day, as well as his three children Dr. Cynthia Lynn Idzik-Starr (husband Paul), John Arthur Idzik (wife Carol) and Joyce Leigh Harms (husband Kevin), and five grandchildren Jessica Lauren Starr, Bryant James Idzik, Bradley John Idzik, Holly Ann Idzik and Michael Douglas Harms.
John was a gifted athlete starring in both baseball and football at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia, PA. He was an All-Scholastic and All-Catholic Team halfback in football and leading hitting catcher for the school's City Championship baseball team. Upon graduation in 1947, he turned down a contract offer by the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals to accept a football scholarship to the University of Maryland. John was versatile for the Terrapins, playing defensive back, halfback and punt returner for nationally ranked bowl teams under legendary Coach Jim Tatum. His versatility was on display in big games as he was the second leading rusher in the 1948 Gator Bowl as a true freshman and he had a key interception return in Maryland's 1950 Gator Bowl victory over Missouri. He was among the team leaders in interceptions each of his four seasons and he still ranks among the school's top punt returners in career average per return. As a senior, John played in the Mahi Shrine North-South College All-Star Football Classic and was awarded the Terrapin Teke Trophy for his extraordinary contributions. Beyond his noteworthy collegiate football career, John was also a 3-year starter at third base for the Terrapins during one of the school's most victorious runs. All in all, John earned seven varsity letters at the University of Maryland.
Immediately following his collegiate playing days, John served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1951 through 1953, being named All-Marine in 1952 as a member of the East Coast Champion Paris Island Marines football team. After an honorable discharge from the Marines, John embarked on a lengthy and highly successful coaching career. He was lured to the University of Tennessee in 1954 for his expertise in the split-T offense by another legendary coach, General Robert Neyland. His first foray into professional football came as top offensive assistant for the CFL Ottawa Roughriders in 1955. He then returned to his alma-mater Maryland from 1956 through 1958 as an offensive assistant coach before becoming offensive coordinator for the University of Detroit Titans in 1959. In 1961, John became one of the youngest collegiate head coaches at age 33 for the Titans, where he remained until moving to Tulane University as offensive backfield coach in 1965. John began his 16-year NFL coaching career as offensive backfield coach for the Miami Dolphins from 1966 to 1969. He held a similar position with the Baltimore Colts from 1970 to 1972, where he participated in two consecutive AFC championship games and was a member of the 1970 World Champions of Super Bowl V. John returned to his hometown Philadelphia Eagles as offensive coordinator from 1973 to 1976 before moving to the New York Jets in the same capacity from 1977 to 1979. John's final stint in the NFL came as offensive backfield coach of the Baltimore Colts in 1980 and 1981. During his NFL career, John coached the 1969 AFL All-Stars, the AFC squad in the 1972 NFL Pro Bowl and the North squad in the 1974 Senior Bowl. John completed his coaching career as offensive backfield coach of the USFL Washington Federals in 1983 and head coach of the Aberdeen (Scotland) Oilers in the British American Football League in 1990 when he seized an opportunity to coach with his son.
Notwithstanding his remarkable accomplishments, John remained very humble every step of the way. While he was a very tough-minded competitor, he demonstrated a sincere compassion for his teammates and respect for his opponents. He had a knack for making the complicated seem simple and kept everything light with his wonderful sense of humor. He had an easy way of communicating and connecting very directly with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. He was an eternal optimist and calm voice of reason in challenging times. John lived a Christian life with a deep seeded love of his God, his country and his family. God blessed John with a complete life which in turn touched several generations of students, players, coaches, friends and family. John will always be remembered and sorely missed. His family loves him dearly.
Arrangements are being made by Chandler Funeral Home of Wilmington, Delaware by Director Joseph Yasik. Relatives and friends are invited to John's viewing at Concordia Lutheran Church, 3003 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Delaware at 12:00 noon on December 14, 2013 followed by a service. Burial will be immediately afterward at Lower Brandywine Cemetery, 101 Old Kennett Road, Wilmington, Delaware. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to Concordia Lutheran Church in Wilmington, Delaware.
For online condolences, please visit
Chandler Funeral
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302.478.7100
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Valenda Newell
November 9, 2016
May this great athlete,coach and fine manfind his eternal rest in heaven.
Tom Carroll
Tom Carroll
Admirerer
December 4, 2015
Our sympathy and condolences to the Idzik family, and for all they've given to Maryland: The Terrapins (football & baseball), Balto.Colts (Superbowl Coach), and an outstanding faculty member Cynthia Idzik-Starr, D.D.S. we thank you and cherish your memory, Peace be with you,
Cleve & Nancy Yee
January 4, 2014
Cleveland Yee
January 4, 2014
My profound sorrow on news of John's passing. He had a brilliant football mind and was my all-time favorite boss.
Marsha Bierman
December 20, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with the Idzik family as you join yourselves unitedly to comfort one another. Our prayer is that your hearts be uplifted as you look forward to a time when sickness and death will be no more.
December 11, 2013
My sympathy and condolences during this time of grief.1 Corinthians 15:26.
December 10, 2013
TO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. MAY YOU ALL BE COMFORTED BY PSALM 94:19.
BARBARA
December 9, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. May fond memories of your loved one help you remain strong. 1 Corinthians 15:26
December 9, 2013
Dear Joyce and family. May the Good Lord be with you to comfort you and give you peace and strength. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol & Marty Reddington
December 9, 2013
RIP John
Ernie Miller
December 9, 2013
Please accept my sympathy for your loss, may the God who gives peace be with the family during this difficult time. Romans 15:33
G. Richmond
December 9, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
DStallings
December 9, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Dwayne Bickham
December 8, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Annie
December 8, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to the Idzik family....God Bless
cruz family
December 8, 2013
My heartfelt condolences are with the family during your time of sorrow. May the God of peace and comfort be with you.-Romans 15:4.
Marilynn Harmon
December 8, 2013
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. May all find comfort in the wonderful promise: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. Neither mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
A Robinson
December 8, 2013
Our loved ones who have died leave an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
D. Monroe
December 8, 2013
Deepest sympathy to family and friends.
Stan Sliwinski
December 8, 2013
Condolences to the Idzik family. May God strengthen and comfort you in your time of loss.
December 8, 2013
To the Idzik family, May the LORD comfort you through these sad times with the knowledge of His love. Psalm 116:15
David Nielsen
December 8, 2013
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