John (Coach) Patella

July 1, 1927 - February 8, 2022

John (Coach) Patella passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday February 8, 2022. John was born on July 1, 1927, in Agropoli, Italy and was the son of the late Nicholas and Concetta Patella. His family immigrated to Wilmerding, PA and he later moved to Sarasota, FL in 1965. John proudly served in the U.S Navy during WWII aboard the U.S.S Monongahela. He established his talents while playing semi-pro football in PA. Later, he was well known as a youth football coach for 50 plus years most notably with the Sarasota Ringling Redskins. He was awarded the prestigious honor of being inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame, Western Chapter of PA Hall of Fame, and the Sarasota Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. John was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years Doris Patella. John is survived by his son, Perry (Cindy) Patella; his daughter, Connie (Jimmy) Schmidt; his sisters, Teresa and Anne; his brother, Frank Patella and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm Sunday February 20th at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 North Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 with a celebration of life held at 3:00 pm in the chapel. Interment will be held 11:00 am Monday February 21, 2022 at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. The reception immediately follows the burial service at N.A.L.C, 4350 17th St, Sarasota, FL.