Obituaries
Anthony (Tony) Berardo DiPaolo, 89
February 07, 2023
Anthony (Tony) Berardo DiPaolo, 89, passed away February 7, 2023, at his home. Tony was born and raised in Berwick, PA, the son of the late Anthony M. and Michilina (Rado) DiPaolo. Tony began his lifelong passion for sports playing varsity football, basketball and baseball at Berwick High School, from which he graduated in 1952. He was the only four-year starter in the history of the school’s varsity football team. Tony was captain of the football and basketball teams. After high school, Tony attended Bloomsburg State College where he started playing varsity football as a freshman. After Bloomsburg, Tony entered the Marine Corps where he played football for the Quantico Marines and made the “All-Navy Team”. He played for the Marine Corps in the Poinsettia Bowl where they won the national all-service championship. While in the Marine Corps, Tony married Jean Dockey and they began their family of six, Denise, Michael, Tony, Dino, Beth, and Frank.
After the Marine Corps Tony decided to continue his love of sports, making education and coaching his vocation. He attended Catawba College in Salisbury, NC, graduating in 1959 with a BA teaching degree in Health and Physical Education and a minor in Biology. While at Catawba College Tony played football for three years, starting both on offense and defense. He made all-conference three years and was selected defensive player of the year. He was Catawba College’s candidate for Little All-American. He was also selected for the North Carolina All-State team.
Tony began his coaching and teaching career at South Rowan High School in China Grove, NC. Tony coached football, baseball, and girls’ basketball. In 1961, Tony led the girls’ basketball team to become the Southern NC conference champions. The team members meet monthly to this day to celebrate their team and Coach DiPaolo.
Tony and his family eventually returned to Pennsylvania where he began his coaching career at Solanco High School. After two seasons, Tony then became head coach at Lancaster Catholic High School in 1965. For 16 years, 1965-1980, his Lancaster High School football teams compiled a 101-59-6 record, including 11 consecutive winning seasons, all with his family by his side either playing on the field, supporting on the sideline as mascots, or cheering for a win. The love of football was definitely a family affair. Tony continued his coaching career at Franklin & Marshall College for 12 years as inside linebacker and specialty teams coach. He returned to LCHS as head coach in 1993 where his son Dino coached with him during part of Tony’s tenure.
Tony retired from Lancaster High School in 2001. His combined LCHS record is 156-97-6. His 1998 and 1999 teams advanced to the District 3 AA title games. He received Coach of the Year honors from Lancaster County in 1998. Recognized for his contribution to sports as both a player and coach he was inducted into Berwick HS Hall of Fame 1983; Lancaster Catholic High School Hall of Honor 2002; Pennsylvania Coaches Hall of Fame 2008; Catawba College Hall of Fame 2011; and Susquehanna Sports Hall of Fame 2013. Tony is grateful for the recognition bestowed upon him, but he shared that his greatest gift was realizing his purpose in life, which was inspiring players and students both on and off the field to live their very best lives.
In addition to his 43 years of coaching, Tony loved teaching biology, he initiated and taught an anatomy course, and taught physical education in his early career. He was Vice Principal of Student Affairs for 14 years at Lancaster Catholic and a member of the faculty for 33 years. During this time, he received a master’s degree in Health and Physical Education from West Chester State University.
Tony enjoyed spending his winters at his home in Bonita Springs, FL for 15 years. He loved spending time with family and friends, traveling to Italy, Atlantic beaches, driving cross-country, cruising to Bermuda and Caribbean, and looking for a win at the Atlantic City casinos, which he often found. Tony was a lifelong member of the American Legion, Post 34, Lancaster; the Catholic War Vets, Post 1419, Berwick; and the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge 307, Chickies Rock. He also belonged to the Guiseppe Garibaldi Society and the Maria Assunta Society, Berwick. Tony was also an avid Yankee’s fan.
Tony is survived by his children and grandchildren: Denise, and her children Lucian and Nicolas; Michael, and his wife Mary Lynn and their children Derek, Alexander, and Diana; Anthony and his wife Angela; Dino and his children Drew and Ashley; Beth and her husband Edward and children Stephanie and Kyle; Frank and his children Catherine and Sophia, nine great grandchildren, and six nephews and nieces. Tony is predeceased by his sister Michilina and brother-in-law Constantine Kergides, and brother Bernard DiPaolo.
Family and friends will be received for a viewing from 5:30PM to 7PM, Wednesday, February 15th at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Military honors will be rendered at 10:15AM with Catholic Mass celebrated immediately following Thursday, February 16th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Berwick, PA will take place at noon February 17th for family and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tony’s memory may be made to Coach Tony DiPaolo Scholarship Fund at Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
March 12, 2023
My deepest condolences to the DiPaolo family. Coach DiPaolo had a tremendous impact on my life, and I was blessed to be coached by him. His guidance and teaching extended far beyond the football field. I still recollect upon some of our conversations and his words of wisdom in my daily life. He left an incredible legacy.
Joe Nuni ’00
February 23, 2023
Deepest sympathies and condolences for the entire DiPaolo family. What a tremendously full, rich and fulfilling life with so many outstanding accomplishments and highlights. It is said that one measure of a persons life is – Did they have a positive impact on others and leave the world a better place? Certainly, the answer for Coach is a resounding YES. When one thinks of the thousands of players and students that were influenced and instructed under his leadership, he had a far greater impact that belied his smaller frame. His attendance at my brother Phil’s funeral 10 years ago (Phil was an all-county player for Coach), meant a great deal to our family. Again, deepest sympathies to the DiPaolo family.
Ken Kirchner
February 17, 2023
For the entire DiPaolo family,
Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers. Tony was a “larger than life” figure to many of us who both played for and coached with him. So glad I was able to see him on both sides. Also very glad that i had the opportunity to see and talk with him later in his life (thanks, Coach Benko) when the old coaches group would meet for lunch. Despite his health issues, he seemed very grateful for the opportunity to be with his old cohorts. I hope you can take comfort in each other during this time of mourning. But I’m sure it is also a time of great memories that you can share together and with others.
Walt Senkowski ’72
February 17, 2023
I would like to express my deepest condolences to you and your family for the passing of your father. I have distinct fond memories of Mr. D from high school days on up. Always smiling. He cheered up the room when he entered. And that infectious laughter which was passed onto his children. May he rest in peace.
James Zangari
February 17, 2023
Dear Tony and family, My sincerest condolences to you with the loss of your father. He truly was a very influential man in my life. He could be the toughest coach around and yet put his arm around you with that great big smile and ask how he could help. He had a unique ability to bring out the best in his atheletes consequently he had an incredibly successful coaching career. I truly appreciated his guidance and leadership although I did not fully recognize it as a high school student rather it became apparent to me as I later had children and found myself a coach by default and would reflect on his techniques and methods. I will happily keep your dad and all of you in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.Sincerely,Rick Frey,’75
February 16, 2023
Hi Denise, Mike and Tony and other family. I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your dad Tony. I remember your dad as a really good guy, and helping athletes of all generations. I really enjoyed meeting your family and the times we had in junior high. I remember the time I visited your family when you lived in the Lampeter area. That was a lot of fun. Dave Landis
February 16, 2023
Dear DiPaolo Family,
Echoing some of the thoughts and reflections of those who have already commented here, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to all members of the DiPaolo family, near and far, both blood relatives and friends of the Coach. Besides my own parents, Coach DiPaolo remains the single most influential and memorable voice in my life. Certainly, exposure to him during teen years has much to do with that, but “you’re going to run until I get tired” still echoes in my brain. I so enjoyed hearing his voice on the video remembrance posted on this website; Coach sounded just as I remember his voice on hot summer days. And that smile of his… when it appeared, was truly one of a kind!
He pushed us beyond where we wanted to go; he pushed to what we thought were our limits, but then almost magically, we found that our boundaries had been extended. He taught us to take responsibility for our mistakes when he preached that “the film doesn’t lie”! He taught us that there is no “I” in “team”. We all wanted to do our best; however, demanding gang tackling and playing to the whistle was his way of preparing us to help teammates, be they on the field or eventually, in our work lives.
This is a day where I thank my lucky stars for having had exposure to Coach DiPaolo, while extending prayers for him that he rests in peace, and for you, his family, that the healing process has already begun.
Ed Heilbron ‘75
February 15, 2023
Deepest sympathy to the DiPaolo Family. Tony was a mentor in my first years of teaching and made me feel part of the LCHS faculty which I appreciated. The way he interacted with students was inspirational and guided me through my career in education. I admired his coaching abilities and watching him in action on the gridiron. His family was as enjoyable to be with as he was and I remember them from social gatherings and as Crusader students. He will sadly be missed. Barry Sussmann
February 15, 2023
DiPaolo Family, Thoughts and prayers during this trying time. Our deepest sympathies to your family.
Officiers and Members of Chickies Rock Lodge 307
February 15, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to your family. Tony was an amazing person and what a remarkable life. We feel so lucky that we got to know him. We have many fond memories of our time spent with Tony and Mary Ellen throughout the years at celebrations, BBQ’s, dinners and cruising. He has left an empty spot in all of our hearts.
The Wiliszewski-Tracy Families
February 14, 2023
My condolences to the whole DiPaolo family. Truly a difficult time and so close to the passing of your Mom. Coach had a huge impact on my life and taught me many lessons that prepared me for life. As an athlete he knew how to get the most out of you, and realize things you didn’t know you had inside. Every year I told myself I wanted to focus on Basketball, so every year I’d go into Coach’s office nervous as hell. Coach always had that persuasive and convincing way about him, he’d say “Diehl, you’re playing football” and I’d say, “okay coach see you at practice” ! And thank god he did, those memories and friendships endure to this day. Rest in peace Coach….
Mark Diehl
February 14, 2023
My condolences to the entire DiPaolo Family. My son Andrew was a senior on Coach DiPaolo’s last team at Lancaster Catholic. Coach was a maker of men and his passing leaves a void in the LCHS community. On behalf of Andrew and myself our most sincere sympathies.
Tim St. Clair
February 14, 2023
To the entire DiPaolo Family,
Please accept my deepest condolenses on the loss of such a great person and family member. Coach DiPaolo had such a great influence on my life, and the lives of all he met and coached. He was a passionate coach and teacher who helped you understand the importance of pushing yourself to be the absolute best you could be! All in an effort to ensure that you would compete at the highest level, give it your all in life, and never leave the field, classroom, or personal vocation with any regrets. Coach DiPaolo will be greatly missed, but his lessons for living your life to the highest level possible will live on in all of us he inspired.
Rest in peace Coach, and Thanks for your guidance!!
Many Blessings to you all,
Steve Martin – Class of 74′
February 14, 2023
DiPaolo Family,
I wish your family sympathy during this time. Coach taught me a lot about football as at LCHS. I recently saw him at an event and we talked about those times. Wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Kenneth Myers
February 13, 2023
Mike & Mary Lynn, please accept my most heartfelt condolences for your loss.
sincerely, Dan Flynn
February 13, 2023
Dear DiPaolo family, All of you will be in our prayers. Your Dad led an amazing life and all of you are a testament to that. He influenced everyone he met. There is not a day that goes by that I do not practice a lesson he taught us players. Truly next to my parents and a few priests Tony and coaches had the greatest impact on my life.
May he truly rest in peace.
Bruno S. Schmalhofer
February 13, 2023
Mike and Marylyn,
I was sad to learn of your father/FIL’s passing. He made a huge difference in the quality of the LCHS football program, as well as some
academic programs, and as a school disciplinarian helped keep troublemakers in line (LOL). He was tough but fair. I hope that your positive memories of time spent with Coach Tony give you comfort during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers to you and your family, Rosanne Macrina
February 12, 2023
Mr. DiPaolo’s class was where my interest in biology began. I credit him with my college major. He was an influential person in my life (and he probably never knew). My condolences to the DiPaolo family. – Michele Hoffman
February 12, 2023
A celebration for a life well lived.
Coach was instrumental in the ongoing life success of so many players by imparting the desire to always be better tomorrow than you are today.
Extracted from you emotional strength, skill and ability you never realized you possessed.
His best quote I still live by is “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight – it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
~Greg Burie ’77.
February 12, 2023
Dear Dipaolo family,
Just a month after the passing of your mother, I send my condolences for the passing of your father. He looms large in my memory not only as an energetic coach but also as LCHS Vice-Principal I think many students like me towed the line for fear of being sent to his office. It was a tough job, I’m sure, but one that likely helped shape the character of so many young people. I wish you all the best.
Linda Butz Brenckle
- Visitation
- Wednesday, February 15, 2023
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, February 16, 2023
- 10:15 AM
- St. Mary's Catholic Church
- 119 S. Prince Street
- Lancaster, PA 17603
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