Joe D'Addio was a huge sports fan and a dedicated youth sports coach. He was also successful professionally and as a dedicated husband and father to his beloved daughter Alyssa. In April 2009, 50-year-old Joe suffered a fatal cerebral brain hemorrhage. His family generously decided to donate his organs and tissue to save the lives of those in need. Joe's kidneys saved the lives of two people, and his tissue was used to help more than 80 others. "A loving, caring, loyal, generous man, he lives on in many, many others," his wife Alberta summed up.

Joseph's Story

Joseph "Joe" Valentino D'Addio was a huge sports fan, especially college sports. He was also a very dedicated, empowering coach for boys' basketball and girls' softball, and mentored many youths who came to love him like a second dad. Successful professionally as well, Joe served as vice president of sales at Campbell's Soup Company and Pinnacle Foods.

At 25 years of age, Joe married Alberta, his elementary school sweetheart. Their daughter, Alyssa, was the shining star in his life, and he would let everyone know it. In his large, extended family of nieces and nephews, Joe was known as the "King of the Kids."

"He was the uncle who taught you to ride a bike, held your hand in the ocean, and listen if you had a problem," Alberta noted.

On April 14, 2009, 50-year-old Joe suffered a cerebral brain hemorrhage during dinner. When emergency room doctors broke the tragic news that Joe was on life support and had no chance of surviving, the family made the generous decision to donate whatever organs, bone and tissue that could be used to save and help the lives of others in need. Joe remained on life support for three days. On April 17, 2009, he passed away.

Joe's gift of life saved two people in need of kidneys and more than 80 others in need of tissue for ACL surgery, podiatry, neck, knee and other bone repairs.

"A loving, caring, loyal, generous man, he lives on in many, many others," Alberta said. "We miss him every day, but will continue to celebrate his life every day."