His son reported that he had been showing signs of Alzheimer’s and had recently suffered from pneumonia.
Highlights
- Jon Dolecki, a cherished baseball and basketball coach in Glen Cove, passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind his wife, Irene, and their three children.
- He dedicated over three decades to coaching at Glen Cove High School, significantly shaping the athletic programs and mentoring countless students.
- Jon was a standout pitcher at Appalachian State and served in the National Guard for six years.
Jon Dolecki, a cherished baseball and basketball coach in Glen Cove, passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 77, from a heart attack.
His son, Jamie Dolecki, reported that Jon had begun exhibiting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and had recently battled pneumonia.
His death has left a profound void in the local sports community and among those who knew him.
Born on January 5, 1948, in Englewood, New Jersey, Jon was the son of Joan and John Dolecki.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Irene Garibaldi of Hudson County, New Jersey, whom he married in 1971.
The couple has three children: Justin, Jamie (married to Gina), and Katherine (married to Josh).
Jon was also a proud grandfather to Rylan.
Reflecting on their years together, Irene said,
We had a wonderful life together. He loved his family, baseball and golf. And he cared deeply for all his players. This man worked in a very diverse district. He dealt with every nationality and never had a problem. The players loved him.
newsday.com
Jamie Dolecki reported about his father,
He was a great father and did everything for his kids. He’d drop whatever he was doing to throw me batting practice and drive me all over the place to play ball. He was an exceptionally loyal guy and well-respected. He was fair and tough on his players.
newsday.com
Jon Is Remembered At Glen Cove High School As A Talented And Respected Coach
Jon dedicated over three decades to coaching baseball and basketball at Glen Cove High School, where he was instrumental in shaping the athletic programs and mentoring countless students.
His commitment to fostering young talent and promoting sportsmanship earned him widespread respect and admiration.
The news of his passing has elicited an outpouring of condolences from the community.
A former student and mentee of Dolecki wrote,
Coach Dolecki was my coach in football and basketball. He was a real motivator who would not accept less effort in his athletes. I hope he and Mr. Chopard are together again, coaching there.
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Adelki Paulino, another of Dolecki’s former students and a fellow coach said in a recent article,
I played for Coach Dolecki since I was 10 years old in the Glen Cove Little League. He was like a second dad to me. It wasn’t just baseball, it was about life with him. He emphasized being a good student and to be kind to people. At every pre-season meeting, he spoke about being good citizens and role models
newsday.com
Dolecki Was A Standout Pitcher At Appalachian State
Growing up in Bergen County, New Jersey, Jon began playing baseball at a young age.
After graduating from Cliffside Park High School in 1965, he played collegiate baseball at Appalachian State, where he was a standout right-handed pitcher. He graduated from college in 1969.
He then began teaching industrial arts at Glen Cove High School in 1971.
A man of many talents, Jon also taught architectural drawing, woodworking, metals and ceramics.
Jon became the school’s varsity baseball coach in 1976 and led the Big Red to the Nassau County finals six times, winning titles in 1985, 1986, and 1987.
After teaching and coaching for 36 years, Jon finally retired in 2007.
Visitation for Jon is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the McLaughlin Kramer Funeral Home, located at 220 Glen St, Glen Cove, NY 11542.
A funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Church, 235 Glen St, Glen Cove, NY 11542.
Jon Dolecki’s legacy as a dedicated coach and mentor will be remembered by the Glen Cove community for years to come.
Additional Information
- Jon Dolecki coached notable players like Wilson and Craig Hansen. Wilson had a stint with the San Francisco Giants, while Hansen played five years, including three with the Boston Red Sox.
- He was among the first high school teams to play at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando before the Atlanta Braves took over.
- Dolecki served in the National Guard for six years, from 1970 to 1976, in Teaneck, New Jersey.
