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Joe Avezzano Obituary
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple confirmed that Avezzano died in Italy. He had moved to Milan earlier this year to coach an Italian Football League team, the Milan Seamen. That team said on its website that Avezzano died of a heart attack. Attempts to resuscitate Avezzano were unsuccessful, the team said.
Avezzano had a 12-year run with the Cowboys and became a popular figure in North Texas. He was the Cowboys' special teams coach from 1990 to 2002, prowling the sidelines as the team won Super Bowls in 1993, '94 and '96. Avezzano was named the NFL's special teams coach of the year three times.
Known affectionately in the Dallas area as "Coach Joe," he maintained a high profile after he left the Cowboys when Bill Parcells was hired as head coach in 2003.
"There are not many days that go by where we are not sharing a legendary Joe Avezzano story or using a trademark Joe Avezzano expression," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said. "He was a wonderful friend. We loved him very much, and he will be sorely missed."
He spent two seasons as head coach of the Arena Football League's Dallas Desperadoes, which were owned by the family of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He became a regular on Cowboys-related TV and radio shows in the Dallas market and opened a "Coach Joe's" restaurant in the area.
"Joe Avezzano was a very special part of our Dallas Cowboys family and our organization's history," Jones said in a statement released by the team. "No one enjoyed life more than Joe, and no one that I know had a greater appreciation for the people that he loved and the lives that he touched. There was no one else like him."
Avezzano also coached special teams for the Oakland Raiders for two years under Norv Turner until Turner was fired after the 2005 season. Avezzano and Turner were on the staff together in Dallas.
"Joe Avezzano was a great coach and a super guy," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We are saddened by his loss."
In February, Avezzano took over the Seamen. Italians in Dallas threw Avezzano a send-off party before he left, Dallas television station WFAA reported.
"I am the long lost heir to the throne," Avezzano joked, according to the station. "They've been looking for me in Italy for years. Now they've found me and I'm going back and I will return to Avezzano. And that's going to be part of my travels."
Associated Press Writer Frances D'Emilio in Rome contributed to this report.
NOMAAN MERCHANT,Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
220 Entries
Carl (kallie) kellam
March 9, 2021
Coach Joe gone but not forgotten the recruit me from Miami Jackson Senior High School Twitch Iowa state 71 Thanks for the Memories
paul,jackie,keith,Joe
Paul New
September 23, 2016
I was with Joe when he met his wife from Story City Iowa..I loved Joe,Jackie sherill and Johnny majors all the coaches at Iowa State..the entire staff went on to my home town Pittsburgh and they made history with players such as Tony Dorset and Dan Marino..Joe was one of a kind..I met his folks from Florida and was on the sidelines at Iowa State with Joe and the team..I would sing the opening and the Iowa State fight song with the marching band on the field at half time..It was a wonderful time in my life meeting Joe and his wife...One thing you may not know..We all would go to movies together and we saw 'Play Misty for me"...that knief scene drove him crazy...but a good memory for me..everytime he would come see me at the Ramada inn on Duff street I would play misty on the piano..I MISS JOE..RIP JOE.....we all loved you....and you always reminded me of the man "Rocky" on the screen.....God bless..I just found this place after all these years...
How you can show support
June 26, 2014
Joe, Diann my wife Rose and I were great friends when they lived in Pittsburgh. He was a "live wire" when not discussing football. Many stories to relate. RIP Joe. .our sympathies to Dian and to young Tony. Harry Hanna
Bob T
November 29, 2013
I followed the 'boys since '71 and don't recall being a "fan" of many assistant coaches on any team, but I was a fan of Joe Avezzano. He brought production to special teams and was an admirable character and figure. I missed him when he left Dallas and was sad to see he had passed.
Andy Paredez
October 28, 2012
You were a great coach, part of a superbowl legacy..you will be truly missed. RIP coach.
Bill O'reily
June 11, 2012
Rip from Florida Dolphins
Steve Castillo
June 3, 2012
I have been a cowboy fan for forty years and the passion he brought to his special teams will be hard to beat! I will miss you Joe. Steve C. East Bernard, Tx
Dean Broadhead
May 20, 2012
We're all travelers in this world. From the sweet grass of the plains, to the glass towers of the cities. Our legacies, both small and grand stand still. From birth to death, we travel between the eternities.
My deepest sympathies to Joe's family and friends.
Sheila Powell
May 9, 2012
We will miss you.
May 4, 2012
We miss you Joe.
Melanie and "Baby Munchkin"
Leslie Yeisley
May 4, 2012
We miss you Joe.
Leslie, Melanie & Erica
Arsie
April 30, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family, Coach Joe is resting peacefully (John 1:11' 25-26) until the ressurection Jesus spoke about, then he will rise and enjoy the real life (Psalms 37:29).
Sincerely
Lynda Sauvlet
April 29, 2012
Thanks for the memories Coach Joe. You were so kind, loved all people, and always had time for your football fans and friends. You gave the Dallas Cowboys so much of your heart, spirit, and fun-loving soul. God Bless You and our prayers are with your family.
Thomas Sauvlet
April 29, 2012
Coach Joe was a wonderful man, great coach, and he lived life to the fullest. He knew how to have fun, and you could always tell howmuch he loved to coach football. he loved it so much. Also, he was a proud FSU Seminole too, which is always a good thing. You will be truly missed---thanks for the memories, the coaching legacy, and for being a great family man.
Becca David
April 25, 2012
There will never be another Coach Joe. He and Tom Landry were second to none in integrity, class and being the perfect role models. I'm sure they are reminicing about the Cowboys tonight. Another true Legend taken too soon from this earth.
Jessica
April 22, 2012
Remembering your family in heartfelt thoughts of sympathy, and hoping it helps to know that others care and share your loss.
Please remember that the God of all comfort promises a time soon when death, mourning and pain will be no more!
Fay Watson
April 19, 2012
Thank You Coach Joe for the memories. What a GREAT MAN you were. You will be truly missed by all. R.I.P.
Deats & Julie Stewart
April 19, 2012
I'm going to miss my friend. He allowed me and the band to be one of the thorns surrounding his beautiful Rose Diann, a memory never to be forgotten. Will always be appreciative of your friendship and kindness. Miss you Coach!!
April 18, 2012
Coach Joe was a truly great man and coach. It's a shame the Cowboys had to let him go and I'm sorry I never got to meet him. He is truly in a better place now, being up there with God. R. I. P. Bill Perry, El Paso, Texas
Leon/Vanessa Martinez
April 18, 2012
Coach Joe you will be truly missed.THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEVOTED COMMITMENT WITH AMERICAS TEAM. MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY. R.I.P.
Reuben Herrera
April 18, 2012
I'm glad I got to meet you at the
Restaurant I always saw you on the side lines,but in person you were the same, alot energy , and have alot of passion for life , we will miss you. Reuben , the meat man
Susan King
April 16, 2012
Ah, Coach Joe, thank you for your gifts of coaching and of humor! I thank your family, too, for the time they were parted from you; I imagine that was a tremendous amount and we thank you. Thank you for being a class act (like Landry) in a cut-throat world, and a wonderful example of sportsman to *all* sports. We will never forget your kindness, enthusiasm, professionalism, and just all-around goodness. Thank you, God, for sharing Coach Joe with us! May he rest in peace, and I for one am glad I am saved so that I can see Joe again in Heaven!
Dave and Kay Campo and family
April 16, 2012
Diane and Tony, our deepest condolences and our prayers are with you.
We love you guys and our memories of Joe.
April 16, 2012
To the AVEZZANO family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time fo sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-
Larry Martinez
April 15, 2012
It's very true of what has been said about "Coach Joe", in that he ALWAYS treated the fans as friends; there were no strangers in his life. I had the pleasure of meeting him once, in 2002, when he was head coach of the Dallas Desperados. The picture I had taken from that event, together with "Coach Joe" and Mickey Spagnola, will always be a treasured personal memento from that time. Godspeed, "Coach Joe", and thank you very, very much.
maurizio de vita
April 15, 2012
#94 Maurizio De Vita (Seamen Milano) DT,love you coach,you will miss me ,i don't forget you!you was a great personality and great example of hard work!
You passed here like a comet,but you rest in ours hearts forever!! R.I.P. coach Joe.
MALCOM R. WILLIAMS
April 15, 2012
REST IN PEACE COACH JOE. TO YOUR FAMILY,MEMORIES OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP ARE TREASURES TO CARRY WITH YOU ALWAYS. MAY OUR GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY DURING YOUR TIME OF SADNESS!
Steven Powell
April 14, 2012
Thanks for the Memories Coach Joe. Rest in Peace.
Sheila Powell
April 13, 2012
Coach Joe was a wonderful Coach and great on tv.You will be Missed by all of your fans.RIP Coach Joe I will miss you.
Christian Deary-Cornell
April 13, 2012
Me and my Immediate Family members are Big COWBOYS FANS R.I.P. COACH JOE
Section 35
April 13, 2012
Cowboy Nation will never forget you. Love the passion from Coach Joe! You will be missed. R.I.P.
Norma Nilsen
April 13, 2012
Thanks for the memories, Joe, especially the Pitt years!!!!! You were such a great friend to all who knew you.
April 13, 2012
You will be missed!! Thank you for all the great "Cowboy" memories!!! Rest in Peace!!
Colleen Kintz
Cleburne, TX
Stephen Curry
April 13, 2012
RIP JOE
April 13, 2012
2 Corinthiand 1:3,4
tom smith
April 12, 2012
R.I.P coach joe you will be missed. thanks for all the great memories in cowboy history
Earl Copeland
April 12, 2012
Dear Mrs. Avezzano and Tony:
I offer sincere condolences to both of you and am remembering you in my prayers. When Coach Joe was on the Texas A & M staff, I was a faculty member there. And when he was on the Dallas Cowboy staff, my family and I were among his greatest fans. Thank you for sharing him with us who love football and appreciated his talents very much. God bless you.
Roberta Fox
April 12, 2012
Our families became friends when the Avezzanos moved to Corvallis, OR. Our son Patrick & Tony became great friends. We send our sympathy & love to Dian & Tony. We especially remember our last dinner together when Joe let us try on his Superbowl ring.
Love,
Jerry & Roberta Giuliani Fox & Family
April 12, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.
Sandy Wooten
April 12, 2012
The best special teams coach In Dallas Cowboys history. Thank you Coach Joe for the memories......you will be truly missed. Good bless you and your family.
Sandy Wooten
April 12, 2012
The greatest special teams coach in Cowboys history. You will be missed and thank you for the memories. We have lost a special man. RIP Coach Joe.
nut runner
April 12, 2012
Thanks for memories.wil never forget you as the best special teams coach for the boyz.god bless your family.
Rodrigo Gomez Orta
April 12, 2012
THE BEST COUCH OF SPECIAL TEAMS ON THE DALLAS COWBOYS HISTORY. NOW YOU ARE COUCHING SOME ANGELS AT HEAVEN.
Lloyd Wheeler
April 11, 2012
There will never be another one like Coach Joe. Good person and great coach. We will miss you, Coach. R.I.P.
Rachel Cook
April 11, 2012
We will miss you coach Joe..
Barry Payne
April 11, 2012
Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Coach Joe was a outstanding person in life and he was truly loved. God Bless.
Joshua Treviño
April 11, 2012
May you rest in peace Joe
bj hewlett
April 11, 2012
RIP Coach Joe...you will truly be missed the loyal Cowboys fans, players and staff past-present DCB4Life
Tarrance Johnson
April 11, 2012
Great man great Coach and Family man much love Coach Joe#Heaven
Pat Payton
April 11, 2012
Coach.Thank you for being you. It made this world a better place. You will be missed.
cajun cocoa
April 11, 2012
God bless you and may you rest in peace...from a Cowboys fan in Metairie, LA
Vickie Castleberry
April 11, 2012
One of the best!! My sympathy to the family. Thank you for sharing Joe with us, the Cowboys family.
The 1st time I met Coach Joe
Shelby Kelly
April 11, 2012
Coach Joe will be missed greatly. I had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions and even take his class "X's & O's w/ Coach Joe" - I'll never forget him. Cowboys Nation lost someone we all adored for his passion, enthusiasm and love of live. I hope we are all so lucky to enjoy those in our own lives in the way he did.
Thank you, Coach Joe!
My love, prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends and his second family - the Dallas Cowboys during this time.
Always a Fan of Coach Joe,
Tom Walsh
April 11, 2012
Coach Avezzano was a classic! I had the priveledge to play for Joe at Oregon State from 1980-82. "The Winning Edge" and "Beaver Time" still ring loudly in my ears - Coach had a passion for special teams and I will always be thankful for the opportunity he gave me at OSU. Tony, I remember you hanging out on the sidelines during practice with Chris Mangold. We will keep you, and your Dad & Mom in our prayers. GO WITH JOE!
Tom Walsh
Roy Jones
April 11, 2012
P.S. Coach Joe. Thanks for the SUPERBOWLS!
COWBOYROY.
Roy Jones
April 11, 2012
I was fortunate enough to have met you many times as you coached the team I have loved for 50 years. Thamks for being very engaging & a great man. You'll be missed but not forgotten. We love you Coach Joe.
COWBOYROY
Amy Porteous
April 10, 2012
First let me thank Coach Joe's family for sharing not only him with all of us but allowing us the opportunity to grieve with you.
I remember as a little girl with my Nanny watching "The Boys" as she would call them. She loved Joe. He always made her laugh.
May god bless you all and keep you. Thanks for all of the memories!
Melanie Roberts
April 10, 2012
Anytime that I heard that Joe was giving a local interview, I looked forward to listening, watching. A breath of fresh air. What a loss for the Cowboys when Jerry let him go. Now a bigger lost for this world. May God be with his family during this difficult time.
Wesley Ralls
April 10, 2012
Thank you for all your years with The Cowboys...will always remmeber you as an awesome guy
JERRY CROCKETT AND FAMILY
April 10, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Jim N
April 10, 2012
Coach you gave me my shot coming to Oregon State and it changed my life! Im glad we got to catch up at Lopes golf tourney last year. You were always there for your players... RIP
B Campo
April 10, 2012
My prayers are with the family
Coach Joe god has called you home, god bless
m Simons
April 10, 2012
RIP Coach!
Gloria Weaver
April 10, 2012
He will be missed.
Tony C.
April 10, 2012
R.I.P.
Mary Bodley
April 9, 2012
What a blessing to have lived during the time he was on this earth. He had a way of becoming your friend even if you never met him. The world was a better place with him in it. I will truly miss him - his laughter, smiles and just knowing he was a part of football.
B. Husman
April 9, 2012
Rest in Peace, Joe. The Cowboys Nation will always appreciate your time and effort.
Fran McDonald
April 9, 2012
Thanks for the memories, "Coach Joe".
Martin Stewart
April 9, 2012
True original in a cookie cutter world. Who didn't love Coach Joe.
Lisa Griffin
April 9, 2012
Rest in peace Coach Joe. Thanks for the memories....liked watching you on the sidelines during football games...You were a trip...
Yvonne Blevins
April 9, 2012
Coach Joe,thanks for the memories. You made watching football fun.
Jeannie Anderson
April 9, 2012
As a cowboy fan for years , I always enjoyed watching the determination in Joe's face when they would get him on camera. He was very serious at all times the game was going on , then when it was over with a win the big grin on his face. Loved Joe and will miss him. RIP Coach Joe.
Trish McLean
April 9, 2012
As a long time Cowboys fan, you were one of the remembered coaches. Thanks for loving the game...you will be missed by so many. RIP Coach Joe!!!!!
April 9, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all Joe's memories stay close to your heart's. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
Brenda McGuire
April 9, 2012
Rest In Peach Coach Joe! The world lost a great man but heaven gained a new angel. Prayers for the family for your loss!
Billy Baskett
April 9, 2012
Thanks Coach Joe. It was a pleasure and inspiration.
BB
April 8, 2012
Joe, we loved you!
Keith Varnado
April 8, 2012
What a great man...RIP Coach Joe!
Carol and Joe Massaro
April 8, 2012
Joe and his wife Diane were Part of John Major's Univeristy of Pittsburgh Football program. We knew Joe and Diane in Pittsburgh and went to visit with them once in Texas. He was a really great guy who loved life, family. Everyone who knew Joe will never forget him. We had four young children at the time and Joe and Diane would come to visit. Our children still remember the present that they brought for them. He was too young to have passed away. We will not forget him. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife, Diane and his son, Tony. Joe will be missed by all of us Carol and Joe Massaro, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Gene Panico
April 8, 2012
As much as I didn't like the Cowboys, I loved Joe. RIP and condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed.
mary connelly
April 8, 2012
Cowboys forever. Rest in peace.
Oscar Cuellar
April 7, 2012
I was saddened to hear of coach Joe's passing. I thought Parcells made a huge mistake not bringing him back. His special teams were great. I will miss his presence
Lena Cole
April 7, 2012
Atti 24:15 e ho in Dio la speranza, che questi [uomini] pure nutrono, che ci sarà una risurrezione sia dei giusti che degli ingiusti.
D D
April 7, 2012
Sorry to discovery Coach Joe passed. May his family find comfort in prayer. God gives comfort to the mourning. Isaiah 61:2
Rob Olinger
April 7, 2012
Happy trails, Cowboy. You will always be remembered by fans as a Cowboys original.
Sam Thomas
April 7, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karen Hanson
April 7, 2012
Can't believe that Joe is gone. I had such great admiration and respect for his achievements with the Cowboys. I've followed the Cowboys for 33 years and he never got the credit he deserved!
Karen Hanson, Dayton (Bellbrook), Ohio
Tammy
April 7, 2012
God calls another great cowboy home.
billy jones
April 7, 2012
you going be missed more then ANYBODY QE LOVED YOU AS DALLAS COWBOYS COACH WE GOING REALL MISS YOU NOT BEING ON COWBOYS SIDE LINES
Logan and Rodney Kuss
April 7, 2012
Coach Joe, we loved you as a coach and broadcaster for the Cowboys for many years. Listening to you brought so much joy before and after Cowboy games. You will be missed dearly. May God bless you and your family.
Sondra Holtman
April 7, 2012
The best Coach ever !
April 7, 2012
Coach Joe: Cowboy for LIFE!
Marshall&Charlie Frye
April 7, 2012
God Bless Coach Joe,we love you and hope to see you on the other side.
Betsy Britton
April 7, 2012
Your legacy will be your giving and loving spirit. In the many years I've known you, I never heard you say a bad word about anybody, a lesson we should all learn from. God Bless you, Joe, and thanks for everything you meant to me and to so many others. Thoughts and prayers to Diann and Tony.
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