In Memory

Joe Ribaudo
May 23, 1949  -  August 21, 1998

On August 21st, 1998 our community, particularly our children, lost one of our best friends, mentors, and coaches… Joe Ribaudo. Most of us remember Joe’s exploits as a soccer coach, defined by his love of the game, his encouragement and development of our children as players, and the fun we all had, either learning, playing, or just watching. We miss his raspy-voiced exaltations rolling across the soccer pitch and cheering a goal as “GOLD!” …yet at games end, with arms folded and a contemplative fatherly gaze, Joe’s perpetual smile - win, lose or draw - because “the kids played hard.”

At Joe’s memorial service, the church was filled…most notably by the young men and women who had been coached by Joe, past and present. There was not a dry eye to be found, yet we heard an oratory of fond memoReis, respect, and everlasting love for a man who unselfishly gave of himself to our children as they were his own. He taught us all a little more about life through the game he loved and we miss him very much.

Our deepest thanks and appreciation to Joe’s wife Mary, his daughter Melissa, and son Donny, for unselfishly sharing with all of us the very special man of their lives. Donny and Melissa continue to honor their father by playing, training and coaching soccer, the game he taught them to love.

As a small token from our community, to give a little something back in Joe’s honor, the El Dorado United Competitive Club dedicates this tournament to Coach Joe Ribaudo, in memory of the man who spread joy and happiness to our children through soccer; and in the knowledge Joe is watching each and every soccer match played...folding his arms, smiling and saying, “the kids played hard.”

Tom Brown
 - Past - Tournament Director
 - Past - President - El Dorado Youth Soccer League
 - Friend and Student of Coach Joe Ribaudo