Joe D’Alessandris, who spent nearly 50 years coaching offensive linemen and worked with four different NFL teams, has passed away at the age of 70.
The Baltimore Ravens, where D’Alessandris had worked since 2017, announced his death on Sunday. Earlier this month, he was hospitalized due to an unspecified illness, which led him to step away from his role as the team’s offensive line coach.
Coach John Harbaugh mentioned that D’Alessandris had undergone surgery earlier in the summer and faced complications.
“Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of coach Joe D’Alessandris’ passing early this morning,” the team said in a statement. “‘Joe D.’ lived a life full of faith, love, devotion, and inspiration.
As a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and coach, Joe made everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the world.”
Born on April 29, 1954, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, D’Alessandris had coaching stints in the CFL and the World League, as well as at various colleges, before joining the NFL.
He was an assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers before working with the Ravens under Harbaugh.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and faith. He made us all better,” Harbaugh said. “He was our reader at team Mass, and everyone here loved him. He was a great coach and a good man — the kind of person you are honored to call a friend.
He raised three incredible daughters and was a loving husband. His grandkids adored him. I admired him, loved him, and will miss him dearly because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy to be around.”
