2017 Dragon Fall

In Memoriam
Former O’Dowd
Faculty Member/Coach
Joe Vanni
Passes Away
Joe Vanni, the man considered the “Father of
O’Dowd Football,” passed away on March 22. He was
83.
A member of the O’Dowd Hall of Fame Class of 2004,
Vanni served at O’Dowd from 1966-1973. He taught
PE and driver’s education, and coached both varsity
football and track.
It was because of his persistence that football was
introduced as a sport in the fall of 1970. John
Cecconi ’71, who served as a varsity team captain
during the inaugural season, said the entire O’Dowd
community owes a debt of appreciation and gratitude
to Vanni.
“What is taken for granted today, was a major undertaking
and leap of faith back in 1970. Coach Vanni
single-handedly built the program from the ground
up, from its basic organization to performing all the
fundraising,” Cecconi said.
Former O’Dowd Vice Principal and Dean of Studies
for Boys Jack Dold said Vanni was a wonderful
teacher, loyal to the school, and devoted to his students.
When it came to football, Dold said Vanni’s “energy
carried us through some very lean years as we
learned how to play the game.”
Kevin Donahue ’63, who taught and coached at
O’Dowd from 1968-1974, said Vanni was a great mentor.
“He took me under his wing and taught me the
ropes of teaching,” Donahue said.
Donahue also served as an assistant football coach
under Vanni. “I knew nothing about football at the
time. But Joe taught me about football and also track.
That gave me a better appreciation for other sports,
which really helped me when I became an athletic director
(Donahue served as the athletic director at San
Mateo’s Junipero Serra High School for 30 years).
Vanni is survived by seven of his eight children Vicki
Austin, Danny Vanni, Dominic Vanni, Louie Vanni,
Gina Prince, Anna Smylie and Vincent Vanni, 13
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Read
more about Vanni at
www.bishopodowd.org/former-odowd-facultymembercoach-joe-vanni-passes-away
54 // Dragon