The New Haven community is mourning the loss of former baseball coach Joseph M. D’Andrea, Jr., who died on October 27, 2025, at the age of 90.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Gloria DiChello D’Andrea, and their son Greg, surrounded by memories of a life filled with family, sports, service, and quiet generosity.
Born on August 17, 1935, in New Haven to Joseph and Angela Maturo D’Andrea Sr., Joe grew up rooted in the city he loved.
He attended St. Anthony Grammar School and Notre Dame High School before heading to Quinnipiac College (now Quinnipiac University), where he played varsity baseball and earned his degree.
His athletic talent and leadership shone bright. Years later, the university honored him with the Athletic Hall of Fame Special Recognition Award.
Joe gave back in countless ways. He served for many years on the Quinnipiac Alumni Association Board of Governors, served as past president of the Alumni Association, and worked on committees, including the annual Alumni Association Golf Tournament.
He also joined Career Days to guide the next generation.
After college, Joe built a successful career. He retired from Clear Channel Communications in Hamden as a senior account executive, where colleagues remembered him for his professionalism and easy smile.
Proud of his military service, Joe served in the Connecticut Army National Guard from 1959 to 1965. He carried that sense of duty into his community. Coaching became his passion.
He managed and coached softball teams across the Greater New Haven area and led young players in the South Hamden Little League Baseball Association.
Former players often spoke of how he taught more than swings and catches; he showed them respect, teamwork, and perseverance.
Joe cherished simple joys. He loved trips to New York Yankees games, cheered for UConn Women’s basketball, and always had a book in hand.
Monthly luncheons with lifelong friends were sacred. He looked forward to the laughter, stories, and familiar faces that made those gatherings special.
A man of deep faith, Joe was a devout Catholic. The Archdiocese of Hartford awarded him the St. Joseph’s Medal of Appreciation for his outstanding service to his church.
He lived his beliefs through actions, always ready to lend a hand, share his time, or offer quiet support to anyone in need.
Family was Joe’s greatest treasure. Besides his wife, Gloria, he is survived by his son, Greg, and daughter-in-law, Alisa D’Andrea, of Hamden, along with his beloved grandchildren, Luca and London D’Andrea.
Nothing brought him more happiness than watching their games, recitals, and everyday adventures. He was the grandfather who never missed a moment.
The News of his Passing Deeply Affected Many People
His cousin Joan D’Andrea Collins shared warm memories from Fort Myers, Florida:
“Joe was my 1st cousin (nephew of my father) and such a kind and happy soul. We kept in touch by calling each other almost every holiday and Joe was pleased when he could call me first, before I had a chance to call him. How we laughed! He was a dear man and I will miss his presence, even if it was by phone. My condolences to Gloria and family. With love, Joan D’Andrea Collins.”
Via Legacy
Melanie D’Andrea wrote with sorrow:
“I feel very saddened. I loved Joe. He was a wonderful person who was completely devoted to Frank and his entire family. With all my love, Melanie.”
Via Legacy
Joe was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Pasquale and Alice D’Andrea.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Maresca & Sons Funeral Home, 592 Chapel Street, on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Michael McGivney Parish in St. Michael’s Church, 29 Wooster Place, New Haven. Interment will take place at St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven.
Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to your local library, a fitting tribute to a man who loved reading and believed in giving others the chance to learn.
Joe D’Andrea lived a whole life marked by love, loyalty, and quiet impact. He will be deeply missed, but his lessons on the field, in the stands, and around the dinner table will carry on.
