John Sandusky, former NFL coach, 80
deb...@comcast.net
(WJZ) Baltimore, MD John Sandusky, a highly-respected NFL coach, passed
away last night at the Coral Springs (FL) Medical Center due to
complications from internal bleeding. Sandusky, who coached for the
Baltimore Colts (1959-72), Philadelphia Eagles (1973-75) and the Miami
Dolphins (1976-94), was born on Dec. 28, 1925.
Sandusky coached both offensive and defensive lines in his career and
was the Assistant Head Coach of the Dolphins from 1989 through 1994.
Among the many players he coached are five NFL Hall of Famers: DT Artie
Donovan, DE Gino Marchetti and T Jim Parker of the Colts; and C Jim
Langer and C Dwight Stephenson of the Dolphins.
Amazingly, Sandusky's O-line at the Dolphins did not allow a sack for
19 straight games in 1988-89, including giving up just seven sacks in
the 1988 season.
"Big John" was an All-America offensive tackle at Villanova
University (1946-49) before joining the Cleveland Browns in 1950. He
played both offensive and defensive lines for the Browns, who played in
six NFL title games in Sandusky's six seasons with the team. Sandusky
finished his playing career in 1956 with the Green Bay Packers.
Sandusky's sons, Gerry and Jim, and daughter, Ruth Ann (McFadden),
were at his side when he passed, as were his wife, Shirley, and
daughter, Jenny, whom John had adopted. John's first wife, Ruth,
passed away in 1985. Gerry is the current radio voice of the Baltimore
Ravens and sports director at WBAL-TV.
A viewing will be held this Thursday (3/9) from 2 to 8 p.m. at the T.M.
Ralph Funeral Home, 371 NW 136th Ave., Sunrise, FL (33325). A funeral
mass will take place Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Catholic Church,
5601 S. Flamingo Rd., SW Ranches, FL (33330).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Joe Sandusky
Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1068, Sparks, Maryland (21152). (John's
son Joe died in 1978 due to complications from pneumonia.)