HS Wrestling: Services announced for Joe Cesari Sr.
From left, current North Schuylkill head wrestling coach Corey Fetterolf, Joe Cesari, former head coach and longtime Cesari assistant Rick Edwards, and athletic director Jim Gross gather when Cesari got inducted into the District 11 Hall of Fame (Class of 2019). The accolade was just one of many for the iconic Cesari. (Photo courtesy of North Schuylkill Athletics)
FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — Funeral arrangements for Joe Cesari Sr. have been announced.
The legendary North Schuylkill wrestling coach, official and administrator will be laid to rest on Saturday, Nov. 15. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating, at the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont, PA 17834. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Kulpmont.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to share a celebration of and a tribute to Cesari’s life from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at North Schuylkill High School’s Cesari-Hope Gymnasium.
The obituary reads in part: “Joe would want you to be comfortable as we celebrate him, so we are inviting anyone attending the celebration at NS to wear your team/band/school activity polo shirt or jacket, warm-up tops, your favorite officiating jacket, Kulpmont Cruise short, or other respectful, comfortable clothing to honor Joe.”
Cesari had one of the most successful runs of any coach in any sport in Pennsylvania history. His teams compiled a 357-31-2 overall record, with 19 Schuylkill League, eight District 11 team, five regional team and two PIAA state team championships. Individual wrestlers won 10 state titles, including six by his sons: Joe (3), Mark (2) and Steve (1).
Arrangements are entrusted to C.J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA 17834.
To view the complete obituary or to send condolences to the family, visit cjlucasfuneralhome.com.
