Tributes to Lou Sorrentino have been coming to us from alumni, friends, and colleagues. If you would like to share your memories on this page, please e-mail them to sports information director Tim Flynn at flynn@lvc.edu. Thank you!
Dr. Stephen MacDonald
President, Lebanon Valley College
We are all terribly saddened by the death of Lou Sorrentino. It is an irreparable loss to the Lebanon Valley College community. Lou was a rock of this community. He spent almost sixty years here. He was arguably the most talented athlete this College ever produced. But he was much more than that. After his playing days in football and basketball and baseball were over, he stayed here for the rest of his life as
coach and athletic director, as teacher and friend and counselor to generations of LVC students who trusted and loved this good man. We won't see the likes of him again.
Rick Beard '90 M'92
LVC director of athletics, football player 1986-89
Lebanon Valley College has lost one of its true legends. It is difficult to come up with the words to fully describe the total impact of Lou's years of loyal service to Lebanon Valley College Athletics. It is truly impressive when you think about the number of individuals - be it fellow coaches, administrators or student athletes - he has touched over the years. We will all miss him very much.
Greg Hessinger '87
LVC football player, 1983-86
Coach Sorrentino taught us the basic principle that loyalty is a two-way street. He believed in us, convinced us to believe in ourselves, and earned loyalty and love from players for a lifetime. He is irreplaceable.
Pat Flannery
LVC Hall of Fame basketball coach
Coach Lou knew more about people and players than anyone I ever met. I will miss him greatly.
Matt Snyder '11
LVC golf team captain, 2009-10 and 2010-11
Personally he's had a giant impact on my life, and I know he's touched the lives of everyone that's played golf for him. We have kids that have left the school (via transfer, graduation, etc.) that have been texting me all day wondering what LVC is going to do for him because they want to come back and celebrate his life. He was way more than a coach to us, he was like a grandfather to all of us. He taught us life lessons that we will never forget and he loved us all and we loved him back equally.
Not only did he care for us golfers, there wasn't a man on this campus that cared and gave so much for all the other athletic teams here at LVC. Going to basketball games, Lou always sat in the same seat every night, win or lose, he never stopped cheering for his beloved Dutchmen, and he never feared heckling the refs when things weren't going our way. He felt equally the same for the football team, we would be at golf practice and sometimes all he wanted to talk about was how well the football team was doing, or field hockey, he knew everything and was up-to-date on all the sports teams happenings.
It's a shame that not everyone got to meet Lou, but they should all know, he loved you, and wanted you to succeed whether he knew them or they knew him. I personally feel that Lou was LVC athletics. Just read his bio on godutchmen.com, he's been associated with this school for over 50 years and he never had a bad thing to say about his beloved Lebanon Valley College and Lebanon Valley College Athletics.
Mike McNeff '06
LVC golf team member
Coach Lou was like a father to me the second I stepped onto the LVC campus. He was the best example of what a coach should be and he made sure that we focused on academics just as much as we did on athletics. He treated all of us on the team like we were his sons and he was always willing to support us in anyway possible. He was always positive, had a smile that was contagious, and bled the LVC colors through and through. He was a great man and an even greater friend and he will be missed. I feel privileged to have known Coach Lou, his guidance has made me into the man I am today.
Kathy Tierney
LVC Hall of Fame coach and former athletic director
Lou had big heart, a generous and loyal spirit, humility and the uncanny ability to know how best to connect with people. He was a great colleague and mentor and he touched the lives of countess people. I know I will be forever grateful for his support, the gentle way he gave advice and for his deep love for The Valley.
Mary Gardner
LVC head coach of swimming
A smile, a handshake and a hug always greeted you right before the "How are you doing?" Lou's greeting made you feel important in life!!!
Harry Speece
LVC athletic historian
Although Lou was not here when I saw my first game at LVC, he was the reason I became a real LVC sports junkie. His exploits to this 13 year old were monumental. I had my baseball heroes as a pre-teen, but he was my first in-person real-life hero. From my first meeting in a locker room at Lynch, where I received an autograph (thanks to Uncle Jake), my admiration for him continued to grow, right up to the past few weeks. In my eyes, the better I got to know him, the better person he became. I was never once disappointed at anything he did or said. I don't believe I could say that about anyone else.One of the things I looked forward to every morning was Lou stopping in the office and taking time to discuss the previous nights sports activities with me. Sometimes the discussion would be about the good old days. I just love the guy. I can't imagine an LVC and him not being around and being a part of everything.
Robert McGrorty '82
LVC Hall of Fame football player, 1981 team captain
I had the honor of playing for Coach Sorrentino ’77-’78, ’80-’81 and was one of his tri-captains in ’81. He was a true icon and will be missed dearly by all who knew him. I fondly recall the halftime speeches which included – “Yeah we recruited those guys, they decided not to come here, but we got you and we can beat them if you all play your heart out." OK, so he always wasn’t the motivating guy but I have to admit it sure was fun playing for him and his coaching staff! I last saw Lou at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2007, he was presenting my first captain Chuck Blevins for induction and stated “If I was a smarter coach, I would have had the ball thrown to Chuck more often." Vince Lombardi is famous for his “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” quote... Coach Sorrentino was more about honor, and giving it your best regardless of the outcome, for that I will always be grateful I had the opportunity to call Lou my Coach.
Jim Carroll '90
LVC football defensive back, 1986-89
I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Lou in 1986 during my senior year in high school, at a college fair. Being from the Bucks County area, I had never heard of Lebanon Valley College. There were many colleges represented at this event and I took the time to talk to many of their recruiters. I can honestly say there was no other individual at the event that exhibited more enthusiasm and pride in their institution than Coach Lou. His passion for LVC was contagious, and I can still remember the excitement I felt as I spoke with my parents that evening about my interest in attending LVC. After a visit to LVC and several communications with Coach Lou, I chose to attend LVC.
I can say without conviction, that my decision to attend LVC ranks up there as one of my best. I am eternally grateful for Coach Lou’s contributions to LVC and am so glad I met him in 1986.
Coach Lou will be forever missed but his legacy will live forever at LVC.
Frank Tavani '76
LVC Hall of Fame running back; Head coach of football, Lafayette College
Lou was a wonderful person, coach and mentor. He is the reason why I wanted to be a coach and where I am today. Heaven just received another Hall of Famer! I can see him and Rinso taking on all comers in racquet ball!
Jim Monos
LVC head coach of football
Lou was a mentor, colleague, and a friend to me. I will remember him as Mr. LVC. When you talk about LVC athletics, the first name that always comes up is Lou Sorrentino. Beyond the many attributes of this man, he was a wonderful and compassionate person. His memory will live on through his family and friends. I will miss him, but never forget him.
Mike Pearson '78
LVC football team captain, 1977
He really did touch thousands over the years and I feel fortunate to be one of those. I played for him from '74 to '77 and was co-captain on the '77 team. At the time you really don't realize what an influence people like Lou will be, but as you get older you find yourself mimicking some his traits and remembering those words of wisdom that he delivered many years ago
Bruce Rismiller '59
LVC trustee emeritus; football player, 1956-59
You have been everything one would want as their Mr. LVC! You were outstanding as a Player, a Coach, an Athletic Director, but especially as a Human Being! Thank you for all you have accomplished for LVC! We will always remember your Spirit, and your Love for our school! God Bless you Lou Sorrentino, you will be in my heart forever.
Joe Rotunda '85
LVC football player, 1981-84
Lou was a coach of the lessons of life. He help build the foundation of men to go on out into the world to be successful, to lead with enthusiasm and character. Lou made every player he coached a part of his family. We all lost a great patriarch, and our thoughts are with the Sorrentino family.
Charlie Fisher '09
LVC golf team captain, 2007-08 and 2008-09
This is hard for me to do because the relationship that I had with Coach was more like a Grandfather/Grandson rather than a Player/Coach. I could ramble for hours about the stories and bonds we created over the five years that I knew him. He was truly a mentor to me and provided me with a lot more than he realized. When I had problem, I went to Coach first. When I had something good happen, Coach knew right away. When I was out of line on the golf course, Coach was the one to tell me so. When I needed a shoulder to cry on when my grandfather passed away, Coach was there. He was there for everything. He helped me get through four years of college. He helped me stay focused when I was having a terrible freshman year both on and off the course. He kept me walking a straight line. Like Coach, I was a talker. Because of this I had to limit my off season visits to his office to just once a week. The reason being, is because I would go over there and plan on staying for about ten minutes and end up being there two hours. I would hear stories of his athletic career and his family and his friends. I would hear stories of past players he coached, past coaches he coached with, and players that he played against. Of all the stories he shared with me, not once did ever repeat himself. Not once did he ever beat around the bush. And that’s exactly how he was with me. He shot it to me straight. No matter what. I went to visit Coach on Tuesday, two days before he died. He was no longer conscious and was having an extremely hard time breathing. His son told me that his organs were failing one by one and he did not have much time left. I immediately began to cry and wander how a man so strong and so inspiring can look so weak and so helpless.
But at that moment I realized that he was not weak nor helpless but he was the same powerful and charming man that he has been his entire life. He knew his time had come quicker than expected and he accepted it and he was ready for his life to end. Because what this man accomplished in one lifetime is more than most people would hope to accomplish in 100 lifetimes. When I go to pay my respects and say my final goodbye to a man that meant so much to me and my life, I will remember what he always use to say to me, “Charlie, you are one of kind.” No Coach, You are One of a Kind!!!
Ed Ludwig
President, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Central Chapter
On behalf of the Central Chapter of the Pa. Sports Hall of Fame, we offer our most sincere condolences to Lou's family and his LVC family. Lou's contributions are innumerable, and he will be fondly remembered often.
Rick Coleman '78
LVC Hall of Fame running back, 1974-77
I was saddened by the news about Lou’s passing. I feel like I have lost one of the few people who made a significant impact on my life. I can truly say that if it wasn’t for Lou, I would not be here today! When I was a young and confused 18 year old Black teen from the Washington, D.C. who was looking for an opportunity to get my life together and obtain an education that would raise me from the depths of society, Lou opened his heart and a door for me.
He saw something in me that others had overlooked because of their shortsightedness. He saw that if given the chance, I could make something of myself, and be a valuable member of the LVC Football team and the Lebanon Valley College family. Lou took a chance on me. And because he did, I was the first college graduate in my family. I set records on the football field. And I had the opportunity to use my education from LVC to find a good job.
I now have a beautiful wife and 3 children who know the story of how I showed up at LVC and Lou Sorrentino made me feel welcomed and worked to make sure I stayed. He will forever be a valuable part of my life. I think that is the type of legacy one so loving as Lou leaves behind. It’s that kind of love that makes you believe that Heaven is for people like Lou.
I will miss you Lou!
Jon King
Head coach of golf, Alvernia University
Our condolences to the Lebanon Valley family on the loss of a great man. The world needs more Lou Sorrentinos.
The first day we met on the course at Lebanon CC he took an interest in who I was, and that trait is a rare as it is simple.
His genuine respect for everyone set him aside.
His presence will be missed.
Mark Phillips '88
LVC football player, 1984-87
During my senior year of high school I received a handwritten letter from Lou inviting me to visit LVC - It was a moment that changed the course of my life. After I met Lou I knew LVC was the right choice for me if they would have me. Lou's genuine care and concern for his players was evident as was his leadership. I was privileged to play football for two years under Coach Lou in the 84 & 85 seasons. He taught us all the important lessons of life: perseverance, loyalty, integrity, character, sportsmanship. He taught us to be good men. We learned from the example he set.
Coach Lou, I'll miss your bigger than life personality, your laugh, and your warm welcome home to LVC when I visit that I've learned to look forward to on the trip down interstate 81 but we'll meet again some day old friend. Thanks for the memories.
Walter Fullam '80
LVC football player, 1976-79
"Walter, how are you!" With that enthusiastic greeting Lou put his hand on firmly on my shoulder welcomed me to the LVC campus as an 18 year old college recruit in 1976. And with that greeting I made my decision on the spot to attend LVC to play football for him. No coaches at the other colleges I was considering expressed such enthusiasm or conveyed such a sense of caring. And that sense of caring was genuine. Coach was very competitive but he never tried to win in a way that was detrimental to the players on his team. I never once saw him publicly berate or scold a player. And there were times when jogging back to the sideline after blowing an assignment that I surely felt I deserved to be criticized. Lou was a kind, decent, caring, and gracious man. We didn't realize it at the time but he wasn't as interested in making us good football players as he was in turning us into good citizens and productive adults.
I returned to campus frequently after graduation and upon seeing Lou he would greet me with those same words, "Walter, how are you?" And every time those words would make me feel the way they did when I was 18 years old; they would make me feel like a million bucks..
David Villiotti '76
LVC football player 1972-75
Lou was so kind to me when I took a greyhound bus from Pittsburgh to LVC to spend a recruiting weekend as a high school senior. He called Hot Dog Frank to make sure I was taken care of before making the trip back home, and I can honestly say that I chose to attend LVC because of the Head Football Coach.
We had some very good teams during my stay at LVC. I'm please to see that some of my teammates have shared their memories. Lou always made football fun, and above all else, cared about his players as people.
Michael Krajnik '09
LVC golf team captain, 2006-09
As I sit down and try to figure out what I want to say about Coach Lou, I struggle because I have so many memories of him during my stay at LVC. Coach Lou was a major reason why I came to LVC because when I first met him I instantly felt a connection to him. Coach was always there to talk to when I had good news or bad, and he always had a way of making me smile or laugh no matter how bad my day was. I could sit in Coach's office or in the van when we went to golf tournaments and just listen to the stories he would tell for hours at a time.
Coach Lou was there for me during the best of times and the worst. When I got married this past summer, Coach Lou was there. When my father passed away during my junior year Coach Lou called my mom to find out when the funeral was because he told her that he wanted to be there for me to make sure I was okay. That was the type of man he was, he always cared about people.
I was able to see Coach Lou before he passed away and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, he was a major part of my life and to know that I would never be able to talk to him again or hear his stories was difficult to come to terms with. As I look back on the time I did get to spend with him I feel truly blessed. I laugh when I think of how some of us on the golf team described our Coach to people, we always said that he was a living legend of LVC because of everything he accomplished in his life there and though he has passed on now, his legend will continue through all of us.
Rich Hoffman '86
LVC basketball player, 1982-86
Simply put, Lou Sorrentino was "good people." Our LVC family's loss, is heaven's gain.
Neil Schlottman
Moravian College Police Dept.
When my daughter Ann Marie was doing a SID internship and running a ResHall at the Valley in 95-96 I had the good fortune to become acquainted with Coach Lou and his great wife Rosie. Better people do not exist. I am saddened by his death and extend my condolences to his family.
Bob Hamilton
LVC Vice President Emeritus for Administration
When I arrived at Lebanon Valley College 24 years ago, I immediately began to hear about the athletic accomplishments of Lou Sorrentino. But, I soon learned that the admiration people felt for him went far beyond his athletic abilities. He was appreciated and admired even more as a perfect gentleman, who demonstrated a warm and friendly attitude toward everyone. This was felt even by those who met him for the first time. Lou's many years of service epitomized institutional commitment. Lebanon Valley has lost a most loyal alumnus, and those of us who had the privilege of working with him have lost a friend.
Bill Simms P'13
Our son plays golf at LVC and I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Lou more than a few occasions. He knew that I coached at the high school level (lacrosse) and we engaged in many conversations regarding coaching philosophies and parents, as well as life in general.
I don't think that I have met a man of similar character and compassion in my life. His genuine care and concern for everything LVC was simply amazing. 60 years at one school? WOW!
God rest your soul Coach Lou. The world is truly a lesser place without you.
Jack Pumphrey ‘74
LVC football player 1970-73
I had the privilege of being a member of Lou’s first football team at LVC in when he was appointed head coach in 1971. Coach brought an immediate sense of family and community to the team and for the benefit of all that knew him. He started caring about us on the first day he met us and has cared and remembered each of us, by name, in all the many years since. LVC has lost a champion but for those of us that knew and played for him – we have lost a friend.
Charlie Grimes
LVC head coach of men's soccer
Lou was a legend at LVC. Every time that we played away from home, coaches/administrators, etc. would ask how Lou Sorrentino was doing. They always had positive things to say about him and it was clear that everyone thought highly of him not only as an athlete, coach and administrator, but also as a person. Lou was humble, very approachable and he genuinely cared for others. I count it a privilege to have known him and he will be missed very much.
John Brennan '01 and Beth Light Brennan '01
LVC golf team member, 1998-2001, and LVC field hockey team member, 1998-2001
It is difficult for me to put into words what Coach Lou has meant to me. Besides my parents, he is probably the most influential person to be a part of my life. He was my second father – especially during my years at the Valley. I remember meeting Coach Lou for the first time when I came for my overnight visit before choosing to attend LVC and then finishing out my college golf career with our trip to the NCAA Golf Championships in St. Louis. I remember Coach Lou and Rosie attending my wedding to my wife, Beth, at LVC and how much that meant to the both of us. Beth and I were blessed with the opportunity last week to say our goodbyes. I was able to tell him how much he meant to me. Coach, may you rest in peace and remember you will always be a part of me.
Ashley McNeff
Sister of Michael McNeff '06, LVC golf team member
Lou Sorrentino was such a wonderful man and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. I want to thank Lou for the immense impact he had on my brother, Michael McNeff '06 and Golf Team Member. Michael had such a great bond with Lou (and Rosie) and I want to thank them for all of the support and love they have given my brother over the years. Thank you Lou for touching so many people’s lives – your memory will be treasured.
Ed Shultz
Former LVC sports information director
Lou was and is the Man for All Seasons. As a husband, father, friend, coach, counselor - Lou made the world a better place.
I had the honor of working side-by-side with Lou in the 1970's. I was the Sports Information Director during those years and had a front-row seat to his passion, spirit and determination. I watched him mold teenagers into men, turn turmoil into calm and pass the successes of the day to others. His impact is reflected in the touching tributes by so many, especially Rick Coleman, Walt Fullam and Frank Tavani.
I was also honored to have Lou as a friend. He is the Godfather to my daughter, Carolyn. And, on her wedding day when Father John needed help in offering communion Lou immediately left his pew to serve --our Man for All Seasons.
And,those that came in contact with him will always remember his laugh and the vigor in which he shared one of his countless yarns.
There is only one Man for All Seasons -- that's you Lou. Your legacy lives on. Peace, my friend.
Roque Calvo ‘80
LVC Hall of Fame basketball player, 1976-80
In 1976, I was trying to select a college and considering several schools in the Middle Atlantic Conference where I hoped to play college basketball. On our way home from a recruiting visit to Gettysburg College, my father suggested that we stop in at LVC and visit his friend Lou Sorrentino, and take a look at the campus. I wasn’t planning to play college football and LVC wasn’t recruiting me in basketball, but the visit had gone poorly at G-burg and since it wasn’t far out of our way we just dropped in on Lou.
My father was the head football coach at Moravian College and he had coached against Lou’s teams and they had developed a friendship and mutual respect. So, unannounced we stopped in to see Lou and he did his “Lou thing,” and got me interested in LVC. And the next thing you know, I’m talking to the basketball coach about playing at LVC. The Valley had some great teams in the early 70’s, and I was aware of their success and Lou’s involvement in the basketball program, so I was really taken by Lou’s interest in me.
It’s redundant to say that Lou was a special guy. It strikes me as unique that my father and Lou, whose teams competed with such tenacity, were such good friends. And it was a unique experience to drop in unexpectedly at LVC in 1976, and receive a friendlier reception than I got at G-burg during a planned recruiting visit. There is no question that I went to LVC because of Lou Sorrentino, and I played basketball for four years in the MAC. The great thing about Lou is that I got warm reception from him the first time I visited the campus in 1976, and every time I’ve been back to campus over the past 30 years. I saw Lou at homecoming this year with my good friend Brad Morrill who played for Lou in the 70’s. He gave us a warm welcome, but it was very evident that he wasn’t doing well. Brad and I suspected that we might not see him again and we knew visiting LVC would never be the same for us. Lou has had a great influence on many student athletes at LVC. We’ll all miss him very much.
Spiros Anastas '10
LVC assistant ice hockey coach; ice hockey captain, 2006-10;
I had the pleasure of seeing Lou on a daily basis because he worked out at the same time as I did. He'd always come in with a smile and made sure he said hello to everyone in the gym. He was a fan of LVC Ice Hockey, and many of our players played Golf for him as well. One particular memory that stands out was at the conclusion of my Senior year. Some events transpired that I was upset with and I had made my opinion public before letting cooler heads prevail. One day while working out, I felt a caring arm come around my shoulders. It was Lou.
He said quietly to me, "I know you're upset son, but remember one thing; good things always happen to good people. Keep your head up high and everything will work out. You've done everything you can possibly do and for that I really respect you." He carried on, "through all my years in athletics, I had so many ups and downs. Everyone remembers the ups, but it's the lessons I learned from the downs that made me succeed. You'll surely come to know this well as you get older."
Coming from an LVC icon, those words of wisdom and encouragement meant the world to me. Lou was one of those good people he was talking about and the respect I have for him and his life cannot be described. In just a couple sentences, he eased my mind and opened my eyes to a lot of things.
The gym, the athletic center, and the entire campus will never be the same without Lou. But his legacy will live on forever.
Bill McHenry
LVC Hall of Fame coach and athletic director
It was a real pleasure to return to LVC on many occasions and look up my old friend Lou Sorrentino. Our conversations always went back to the day in 1949 when Sharon Hill and Swarthmore were both undefeated and we met on the football field. Four years later our paths crossed again when Lou played for the blue and I played for the grey in the annual Blue-Gray football game. Over the years it was always great fun to share football stories. LVC was fortunate to have such a great coach, administrator, and athlete for over 60 years. Lou was a special friend and associate who wil be greatly missed.
Joe Jablonski '12
LVC golf team co-captain
During the first semester of my freshmen year at LVC, I had to do some kind of a paper on an interesting person for my English class; naturally, I chose Lou. From the second that I met him when I got on campus, there was just something about this incredible man that just stood out far above anyone I'd ever met. When I went to his office to interview him, I was expecting to have to actually ask specific questions to get stories. I learned a lot that day. The first thing was that no questions were necessary for him to start telling stories. I was there for almost 2 hours and wrote 3 pages front and back of notebook paper and left countless stories off the paper because I knew I could remember them.
Now I wish I had written everything down and I wish I knew where I put my notes, not to mention the paper. How could anyone have guessed he would have left us so quickly. I know I'll never forget any of the time I spent with him and will always cherish the 2 years I knew him. Nor will I forget the early morning wake up calls at Glen Maura, the wry smile when we did something good, the "strong hand on the shoulder" greeting that was just as strong the last time as it was the first time I felt it, or his innate ability to make me smile when I really did not want to. Rest in Peace Coach, its hard to imagine the next year and a half here without you, but I know you've got the best seat in the house now.
Bernie Buzgon '59
LVC basketball player, LVC Athletic Hall of Fame committee member
They do not come any better than Lou, but to really appreciate him, you had to sit along side him at a basketball game and listen to his comments about the referees. It was a real treat.
Herb Fields '54
LVC basketball captain, team member 1950-54
I was a classmate of Lou's, a roommate of his in '53 and '54, a co-captain of the basketball team of 1953-54, and a summer school class roommate in Hershey after our banner NCAA sweet sixteen year of 1953. I have many fond memories of my time at the Valley, including not only the four active years with Lou, but also the many good times we spent together at reunions, alumni games, parties and the last time I saw him at Rinso's funeral. Always the gentleman, kind, honest, loving, and faithful. I could literally write a chapter or two about my memories of Lou, including our summer together in Hershey as he would leave me alone after playing baseball in Minersville while he drove to Lancaster to woo the sweet, beautiful, lovable Rosie, the love of his life. Our team as most of you know has stayed in close contact all these years and he will be, remembered in our hearts and thoughts with LOVE. Rest well Lou.
