Joseph M. Yukica

1931 - 2022

Joseph M. Yukica

Hanover, NH — Joseph M. Yukica passed away peacefully at Wheelock Terrace on Thursday Jan. 20, 2022, at the age of 90. He is survived by his three sons, Joseph Jr., James, and Jackson. Five grandchildren; Emily, Michael (Joseph IV), Issac, Oliver, and Eli. As well as two great grandchildren Ben and Rory.

Joe was born in May of 1931, in Aliquippa, PA to parents Joseph and Elizabeth Yukica. He grew up in Midland and graduated from Midland High School in 1949. Joe was a stand-out Tight End and received a full Football scholarship to Penn State University. After graduating in 1953 he played in the NFL for one season, but was side-lined with an injury. Joe returned to Penn State where he received a Masters Degree in History, and began his coaching career at State College High School, and Penn State.

In 1957 Joe moved to Harrisburg, PA where he became the Head Coach at Central Dolphin High School. After a State Championship season, Joe was handed the Head Coaching duties at West Chester State University where he also led the Golden Rams to a State Championship. In 1959 while living in Harrisburg, Joe met his wife Betty Rine of Harrisburg. They were married that December, and enjoyed 54 years together before Betty passed in 2015.

Joe began his major college coaching career as an End Coach at Dartmouth College in 1960. With 3 Ivy League titles and one undefeated season, Joe landed his first head coaching position at the University of New Hampshire. After 2 winning seasons he was recruited by the Boston College Eagles where he became Head Coach in 1968. While at BC Joe also coached the East West Shrine game in Palo Alto CA. twice - Once as an assistant in 1974, and as the Head Coach in 1976. He also coached the North South/Blue Gray Game as the Head Coach in 1977. In 1978 after 9 seasons with the BC Eagles, Joe returned to Hanover as the Head Coach at Dartmouth College, and won 3 Ivy titles in his first 5 seasons. Joe was named the New England College Coach of the Year three times; for Boston College, UNH, and Dartmouth.

Joe and Betty went on to become successful Realtors with McLaughry Associates in Grantham, NH until their retirement in 2010. During this time Joe Founded the NH Chapter of the Football Coaches Foundation, and subsequently became its namesake in recognition of his contributions to the sport. He was also a member of the Beaver County Hall of Fame in western PA, as well as the Lou Holt Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame, and the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame.

A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers Joe requested donations be made to the Joe Yukica NH Chapter, National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame.