On July 5, 2025, the Rochester community celebrated Joe Sirianni’s 87th birthday, shortly before mourning the loss of the beloved soccer figure and dedicated supporter of the Rochester Lancers.
Joe Sirianni, the heart and soul of the Lancers, passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness, camaraderie, and an unmatched love for the beautiful game.
Born In Calabria, Italy, Joe Sirianni’s Love For Soccer Began At A Young Age
As a schoolboy, he played as a goalkeeper, cheering fervently for Italy’s storied Juventus club.
In 1954, Joe and his father immigrated to the United States, seeking new opportunities.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1957, he settled in Rochester, New York.
This city would become his home and the stage for his remarkable contributions to soccer.
Joe’s passion for the sport never wavered.
In 1964, he joined the Italian American Sport Club, a hub for the local Italian-American community, where he could share his love for soccer and connect with others who shared his heritage.
Three years later, in 1967, his life changed forever when Dennis Jones, a player and assistant coach for the newly formed Rochester Lancers, invited Joe to become the team’s trainer and equipment manager.
It was a role he embraced with unmatched dedication, becoming the first and longest-serving employee in the team’s history.
Joe Sirianni was more than just a trainer for the Rochester Lancers.
This team competed in the American Soccer League and later the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1967 to 1980.
His official duties included ensuring the players’ physical well-being and managing the team’s equipment, but his contributions went far beyond that.
Joe was the team’s unofficial secretary, chauffeur, field manager, and confidante.
He bridged the gap between players, coaches, and owners, especially for the Lancers’ foreign players, many of whom spoke little to no English.
His ability to connect with people, regardless of language or background, made him a cornerstone of the organization.
Joe’s commitment to the Lancers was extraordinary. He often used his vacation time from his day job as a machinist at Davenport Machine and Tool to travel with the team to places as far-flung as Guatemala, Vancouver, and Hawaii.
His wife, Rosaline, played an equally vital role, washing the team’s soiled uniforms and sewing names and numbers onto the backs of jerseys.
Together, they were a powerhouse duo, ensuring the Lancers were ready for every match.
In 1976, Joe earned the nickname “Red Card” Sirianni in a moment that became soccer folklore.
During a match against the Chicago Sting on June 1, 1977, at Soldier Field, the Lancers lost 3-2 after a controversial penalty kick call.
Frustrated by the referee’s decision, Joe became the first trainer in NASL history to be ejected from a game, earning a red card—a badge of honor he wore proudly for decades.
As Lancers’ Wall of Famer Carlos Metidieri once said,
“They should build a monument outside of [the] stadium for Joe Sirianni. He’s given more time and more effort to the Rochester Lancers than anyone I know,”
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When the Rochester Lancers folded in 1980, Joe’s dedication to soccer didn’t end.
In 1981, he joined the Rochester Flash of the American Soccer League as a trainer and traveling secretary.
He also served on the boards of the Italian American Community Center and the Italian-American Sport Club, strengthening ties within Rochester’s Italian-American community.
Joe’s voice became a familiar one to soccer fans through his 17-year tenure as co-host of Soccer Is a Kick in the Grass, a radio show on WYSL-AM started by fellow Lancers’ Wall of Famer Charlie Schiano.
The show, which had its final broadcast on April 14, 2025, was a platform for Joe to share his love for soccer and celebrate Rochester’s vibrant soccer culture.
Joe also lent his expertise to the W-League Rochester Ravens, broadcasting matches and inspiring a new generation of soccer enthusiasts.
His contributions were recognized in 2021 when, during halftime of a Lancers’ National Premier Soccer League game, he and Charlie Schiano received their 1970 championship rings in a surprise gesture organized by the Lancers and Flower City Union minority owner Jimmy Paolo.
It was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to the sport.
Beyond Soccer, Joe Was A Respected Figure In Rochester’s Professional And Cultural Spheres
As a machinist, he served as president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union, advocating for his colleagues with the same passion he brought to the Lancers.
He and his first wife, Rosaline, raised three children, building a family rooted in love and community.
Even as he juggled his demanding day job and union responsibilities, Joe turned down offers from other teams, including the Buffalo Stallions in 1978, choosing to remain loyal to Rochester and the Lancers.
Joe’s impact spread far beyond the field.
He was a friend, a mentor, and a pillar of the Italian-American community.
As Charlie Schiano said,
“Joe was more than an employee. He’s always been an unselfish person and a great friend”
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His warmth and generosity touched everyone who knew him, from players and fans to fellow broadcasters and community members.
The news of Joe Sirianni’s passing sparked an outpouring of grief and appreciation from the Rochester community and beyond.
Greg Suttie, a frequent guest on Soccer Is a Kick in the Grass, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“Joe’s passion for the game and love of soccer in Rochester, NY, were unmatched. Legends never die, and Joe’s legacy is eternal. God bless Joe, and all that knew him.”
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Fans, players, and colleagues remembered Joe as someone who loved soccer and cared for the people around him.
Joe Sirianni’s life was a testament to the power of dedication, community, and love for the game. From his early days in Calabria to his decades-long service to the Rochester Lancers and the Italian-American community, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations.
As Rochester mourns the loss of this remarkable man, it also celebrates the joy, passion, and heart he brought to their city.
Joe “Red Card” Sirianni may be gone, but his spirit will forever be a kick in the grass.
