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Tony DiCicco
1948 - 2017
Tony DiCicco
1948 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1948
DIED
2017
Tony DiCicco Obituary
"While the health challenges Tony faced were confronted head on and with eyes open,” his family said, “we never could have foreseen the beautiful journey that truly defined the magnificence of this man's life."
DiCicco coached the team, which also won an Olympic gold medal in 1996, from 1994 to 1999.
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DiCicco was born Aug. 5, 1948, in Wethersfield, Connecticut, where he grew up. He graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts in 1968. As a senior, he was an All-American goalkeeper.
He played professionally for five years with the Connecticut Wildcats and Rhode Island Oceaneers of the American Soccer League. He made one appearance for the U.S. men's national soccer team in 1973.
He started out with the women's team in 1991 as the goalkeeper coach. He became head coach of the women's team in 1994, compiling a record of 103 wins, eight losses, and eight draws. The team defeated China in a dramatic contest to capture the 1999 World Cup.
In his later years, he provided commentary for coverage of women's soccer for ESPN and Fox Sports.
DiCicco, who was elected to the class of 2012 of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, co-wrote the book "Catch Them Being Good: Everything You Need to Know To Successfully Coach Girls," along with Colleen Hacker and Charles Salzberg.
Women’s team member Becky Sauerbrunn took to social media to pay tribute to her former coach.
DiCicco “played an integral role in getting our program to where it is now,” Sauerbrunn tweeted. “I am very appreciative of him and his contribution. Sad day.”
Carli Lloyd, another player on the team, tweeted, “So incredibly sad 2 hear about the passing of Tony. He was a pioneer of the game n I'm thankful for all he has done on and off the pitch.”
62 Entries
Phil Pizzoferrato
September 3, 2017
A wonderful man. Was happy to try out for him at South Catholic in 1979-80. Rest In Peace TD!
Sal Spatola
August 23, 2017
Our Deepest sympathies to the DiCicco Family from the Crew of the CT State DOT Rocky Hill Ferry.
Alex and Nicole's wedding 2011
Alex DiCicco
July 18, 2017
I miss you Dad. I was reading through all of the kind words that people have written on here, how many lives you touched, how special you were and still are. You're an absolute legend and I am just starting now to wrap my head around how lucky I am to be your son. I could not be prouder. It will be difficult to bounce back from your devastating loss, but in your honor, I will always do my best. You and Mom created a beautiful family and an amazing life. I am forever grateful. Seriously, anyone reading this should know, as much as you get credit for your coaching, your greatest accomplishment was as a father to your sons. You Lived Life the way we all should. Absolutely indredible, it's been a tough month. I love you.
Clinton Wynn
July 8, 2017
Dicicco Family, Please accept our Prayers
in this time. Tony was someone i could call on and he was there. He is a Great man and Friend. We still kept in touch after all these years and he had that contagious smile. He was a very proud father. Please except our families condolences. Blessings to your family.
The Wynn Family
Clinton C. Wynn LAT,ATC
Staff of 99er's
How you can show support
Ken Woodhouse
July 7, 2017
Dear Diane and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Both my daughter and I had the good fortune of being coached by Tony...Michelle at Soccer plus and myself at CCSC when Tony was beginning his coaching career. He was passionate and dedicated and made you feel important. May God bless.
Bob Smith
July 2, 2017
I met Tony while we were teaching together in Vermont. Tony was more than a colleague, he was a friend. He was a great teacher and took his students on a lot of fun adventures from canoe trips to camping trips(in snow or sunshine). Thanks for the great memories. He touched a lot of lives in his short time in Vt. He will be missed by many in the Bellows Falls community.
Dave and Stephanie McOmber
June 30, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. Tony touched so many through his passion for sports and people. He will never be forgotten for his accomplishments and the lives he has changed.
It is with regrets that we will not be able to attend his memorial. Our hope is that so many friends and family give you strength and comfort through this difficult time. He will be missed.
Sandy G
June 28, 2017
Tony was the sweetest soul. He taught me to swim when he was a lifeguard at Mill Woods park. He was also the first to encourage me to play soccer even though there were no girls teams at the time. I played with the boys and went on to play in college. Love and prayers to the DiCcico family.
Carl Paquette
June 28, 2017
My sincere condolences to the DiCicco family. Tony was a teammate at Springfield College and over the years, when I coached at Farmington HS, we shared a passion in the development of girls and women's soccer. He was a guiding light not only in our sport...but more so in life itself. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rose Duodu
June 28, 2017
Condolences to the family and friends of Tony Dicicco. May the memories of great times shared together help your to endure this loss. 2 Con 1:3,4
Bev Schilke
June 26, 2017
Diane and Family Although I was away from CT. most of the years I was able to watch Tony take women's soccer out of the dark ages. I was so shocked to hear of his illness and his untimely death. He will be missed by so many but he will live on in the hearts and mines of the world.
June 26, 2017
Dear Diane and family,
We were so saddened to hear about Tony. He was the very definition of a gentle- man. We are holding you close in our hearts.
Love,
Linda and Mark Longobardi
June 26, 2017
God Bless the DiCicco Family. I went to school with Tony for 4 years at Springfield College. Played 2 years with Tony playing behind me and making fabulous saves as the Goalie. The Team had great respect for Tony and voted him team Captain & MVP his Senior year.
Rest in Peace my Teammate.
George "Shorty" Dixon
Joe & Carol Asklar
June 26, 2017
Diane & family, so very sorry for your loss! We are so grateful that we had the chance to visit and catch up at our recent reunion with you both. He was truly one of the good guys and will be missed by all who knew him. Stay strong!! love, Joe & Carol Asklar
Beverly Kuruc
June 26, 2017
I used to work for Tony at SoccerPlus. He was a great boss to work for and a all around Great person. May he R.I.P.
Loving Husband, Father, Coach, Human Being
Alexandra Wasko
June 25, 2017
Peg D'Amato
June 25, 2017
Tony was a wonderful family man and a good boss...enjoyed working for him at Soccer Plus...sad to hear of his passing.
Mitzi Callantine
June 25, 2017
Sleep well Sir
NANCY JOHNSON
June 24, 2017
Diane and boys...our hearts are broken. Tony was one of our first customers. We had a personal bond...he always called me Nance....he always took time for the hug and the chance to catch up on the boys and Diane. What a lucky women...you are..he adored you. He loved his boys. He loved his girls....he lived life. We'll miss you sweet Tony. Our hearts are broken for you and your family. May your memories live on in their hearts forever and bring smiles to their faces.
Louise DeMacio Waxler
June 24, 2017
I had the good fortune of meeting Tony in the early 90's. In 1994 we (Columbia) hosted Tony, Anson and the USWNT for pre-World Cup training. It was that weekend that Tony was named Head Coach of the team. Our friendship grew over the years but it wasn't until 2000, when Anthony joined our Washington Freedom family, did I really begin to appreciate what an amazing father he was to all of his boys and his love for Diane. We were all blessed to have Tony in our lives, whether it be as a coach, fellow ambassador to the game, NSCAA colleague or just as a friend. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have him in my life. I will miss him immensely but will always celebrate his life. God Speed, my friend.
Mark Holowesko
June 24, 2017
My Condolences to Tony's family. He left us with a lifetime of great memories
Donna Percoski
June 24, 2017
Diane and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was quite a man who touched so may lives. He will live on in your heart forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons during this difficult time. You all are blessed to have had him in your life.❤
Jacqueline Hartert
June 23, 2017
Dear Diane and family, we are truly sorry for your loss. Memories will always remain. We love you. Jackie and Don
June 23, 2017
Heartfelt condolences to the DiCicco family. During this difficult time, may you find comfort and peace, may God become your refuge. - Psalm 18:2
Bob and Hope Ploszaj
June 23, 2017
We were so sad to hear of the passing of Cousin Tony - we were just so proud to even be related to someone who brought such joy and excitement to our family with his coaching. (He gave us bragging rights!) Praying for God's peace for your family through this difficult time.
Scott Chamberland
June 23, 2017
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Ken Headley
June 22, 2017
I first learned of Tony as a coach and watched so much of his success with the US Women's team. When asked to coach women, my first answer was no. Just felt as a man it would be too difficult to adjust to. When pushed I accepted and went looking for help. I found "Catch Them Being Good". Without Tony's insights I would have never had the success I did and eventually coached college women. Later I had the pleasure of taking one of the first Adv National Goalkeeping Course with Tony as an instructor. So glad I had a chance to get to know him. He had a major influence in my soccer life and career.
Jann A
June 22, 2017
I met Tony in the 80's when I went to work at UMBRO USA (Greenville, SC) in the Promotions Dept as Mick Hoban's secretary. He was truly one of the nicest guys I ever met... always smiling, always a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Dianna Doty
June 22, 2017
Diane & Family
My sincere condolences with Tony's passing. He is a coach, teacher, mentor and friend to many. He will be missed by so many in the soccer and his everyday encounters with people, but non more than you. I appreciate knowing him, his kindness, bright personality and the growth he could bring out in anyone. Tony is truly a one of a kind person. Thank you for sharing his talent and life.
Debra Grob
June 22, 2017
Our thoughts are with the family of Tony at this time. I still remember Tony calling me personnaly to talk about our son . Our son now coaches for the Soccer Plus Camps, out hearts are with you at this time. Love the Grob Family. Deb. Steve and Colton.
Mark Adams MD
June 22, 2017
What a great guy, great coach, and someone who for many years has been synonymous with top performance soccer. My time with USA Soccer and the WNT was unbelievably enhanced by my friendship with Tony. The gold medal runs in the 96 Olympics and the 99 WC were possible because the RIGHT coach was coaching the RIGHT people! I am so grateful to have been a part of those remarkable times thanks to Tony accepting my help. Tony was one of a kind! My condolences to his wonderful family.
June 22, 2017
So sorry to hear of Tony's passing.. Our Son Jeremy Dube was a goalkeeper student of Tony's many years ago and went on to play goalkeeper for University of Maine. Jeremy also worked at Tony's Soccer Camps and enjoyed being part of Soccer Plus camps both as coach and student. We have admired Tony's accomplishments and have very fond memories of Tony.
Again so sorry for your loss. Tony will be remembered fondly.
Fondly,
The Dube Family
West Hartford CT
Rich Wright
June 22, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of Tony. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. He was a great man on and off the field. Personally he taught me a lot about soccer and many of those lessons carry over to the way I live my life each day. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Roger Hamilton
June 22, 2017
I enjoyed my time with Tony playing soccer for the Hartford Hellenick and the Connecticut Wildcats. He will be missed in the soccer world.
Steve M
June 22, 2017
Tony was one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I think his fantastic accomplishments in soccer never changed him as a person. From the time I was a little kid swimming at Mill Woods pool, to the occasional meeting around town or at an event, he was always the same kind and warm person, friendly to everyone, armed with a great smile, and hearty handshake. I will always remember him this way. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May happy memories buoy your spirit during these difficult times.
John Moreira
June 22, 2017
My Condolences go out to the DiCicco family. I was just another of the many Coaches Tony had an impact on. My heart goes out to you in this most difficult time.
June 22, 2017
Beloveds, truly saddened to hear of Tony's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
June 22, 2017
Mr Dicicco was loved and known by many people. May the God of comfort be with his family and friends at this his most difficult time. God love you.
June 22, 2017
DiCicco Family, Friends,
Please accept our heartfelt prayers on the loss of your dear loved one. May your love and
wonderful memories of him bring peace in your hearts. PS.147:3-He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds.
Mirella D'Antonio
June 22, 2017
Diane and family, my heart is broken for you but I know that your beloved Tony will remain in your hearts forever and forever for you are a family blessed with love and God's favor. I feel honored to have spent time with you as your realtor but more so to have been welcomed into your home as a friend. When a soccer match was on, he would be glued to the set- he had such a passion for the sport you could feel it in the room, his energy so positive. What a great husband, father, role model. Never ever to be forgotten, never ever.
June 22, 2017
Dear Dicicco family
Our deepest condolences to you all.
Laurie, Eric and Stacey Gentino
Ryan F.
June 22, 2017
Diane and Family,
I am so glad that I had the honor of knowing Tony. I remember meeting him for the first time at FSA with Ted more than ten years ago and how in awe I was of his accomplishments. Over the years that followed I had the privaledge of learning that Tony's personality and charachter were even more impressive than what he had accomplished professionally. My deepest condolences to you, family and those closest.
Ryan
June 21, 2017
Red Hook, NY
June 21, 2017
Dear Diane and family,
Ross just called with the sad news about Tony. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We have such great memories of Tony as a neighbor and friend -- and as an advocate of women's soccer. I often told my women athlete students how proud I was to know Tony and all he did for their sport. Very best wishes for the time ahead. We're thinking of you.
Much love,
Elli, Caroline, Ross, Bev, and little Nora
Tim Hause
June 21, 2017
I played soccer with Tony in 1963 and 1964 in Wethersfield. He was certainly better at it than I was. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Sam C.
June 21, 2017
Diane and Family, We are so sorry for the loss of Tony. Legend doesn't say enough. What a guy. Im so glad to have known him. He's in my thoughts forever.
June 21, 2017
Dear Diane and Family,
My heart goes out to you and the boys. You are all in my heart and prayers for peace and comfort.
Blessings & Love,
Lisa Atwood
CC.
June 21, 2017
To the DICICCO FAMILY at this most difficult time, may 'God' give you peace.
KM McNulty
June 21, 2017
My condolences to the DiCicco Family. Tony was a true gentleman, who's passion for teaching made being his student an honor. His legacy is admirable.
Joe Frappiea
June 21, 2017
He was known to me as Mr. DiCicco. I remember him fondly as my PE teacher and Coach at Bellows Falls Middle School. He was a person that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. My condolences to his family.
David M Sasportas
June 21, 2017
To Diane, Family, and Cousins Lorraine, Robert & Joan. Lorrell & I were shocked and saddened to hear of Tony's passing . Our deepest condolences to you and the entire Family.
David & Lorrell Sasportas
June 21, 2017
My condolences to the family of Tony Dicicco. May his passion for soccer and selfless love for others continue in your memories of him.
Diane and David Middleton
June 21, 2017
Sorry to hear of the passing of Tony... Sending love, and thoughts and prayers to the family.
June 21, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 20, 2017
How sad to hear of his passing he was a good person God bless his family. Michael Hoskins Enfield Ct.
Mike Zeruk
June 20, 2017
I grew up near his dad's radiator shop on corner of Front and Arch st. My family was close to Tony sr. and his mother Welcome. They and Tony were wonderful people and a pleasure to be around. I always enjoyed listening to Tony during USWNT games and found his analysis honest and forthright. He will be greatly missed
June 20, 2017
My deepest condolences to mr DiCicco Families may his wonderful memories bring comfort to your troubled hearts. Texas
Carrie Bucior
June 20, 2017
Tony taught me how to swim at Mill Woods back in the old days in Wethersfield! HE was a special coach then and continued to be throughout his life. You will be missed.
Margie Gelfenbien
June 20, 2017
Roger and I are saddened to learn of Tony's passing.
We have known him since our daughter Jill played for Wethersfield. We send our condolences to Diane and her family. Tony will be missed.
Harry Simpson
June 20, 2017
Godspeed Tony, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
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