A longtime Ohio high school teacher and basketball coach has died in a tragic lightning strike just weeks after retiring.
Joe Pierro, 60, was killed Friday, Sept. 4, while mowing the lawn at his home in Steubenville, Ohio, according to local reports.
The sudden death came only about three weeks after Pierro retired following more than 30 years as a teacher and coach at Steubenville High School.
The school remembered him as a beloved member of the community who spent decades helping students both in the classroom and in sports.
“The Big Red family suffered a terrible loss with the sudden passing of longtime teacher, coach, colleague and friend, Joe Pierro,” the school said in a statement.
Officials said Pierro devoted much of his life to helping young people learn, compete and believe in themselves, adding that his impact extended far beyond the classroom and playing field.
“The legacy of Coach Joe P. will live on in the many lives he helped shape,” the school said.
Pierro is survived by his mother, Shirley, his son, Michael, and his daughter, Mia.
Steubenville High head football coach Reno Saccoccia described Pierro as a “genuine person” who knew how to balance hard work with humor.
“He was fun to be around,” Saccoccia said. “Always had a few laughs. But when it was time to work, he worked, and he worked hard.”
He added that Pierro took great pride in what he did and was known for his dedication.
Just hours after Pierro’s death, Steubenville dedicated its Friday night football game to him.
“I thought our players did a fine job of representing him and what he stood for,” Saccoccia said.
Pierro’s obituary remembered him as “kind and gentle” and someone who always had a smile on his face.
Friends and family said he had a gift for making people feel comfortable and would be remembered for his easygoing personality, generosity and the many friendships he built over the years.
The obituary said Pierro was especially proud of his two children, Michael and Mia.
He also loved family gatherings, spending time with close friends, being outdoors and working in the yard.
Whether he was coaching, helping someone in need or simply spending time with the people he loved, those close to Pierro said he found his greatest happiness in the relationships around him.