- John Colosimo, former Juan Diego High coach, passed away from Parkinson's complications.
- Colosimo led Juan Diego to eight state titles, tying Utah's coaching record.
- His legacy includes profound community impact, influencing students and athletes beyond sports.
SALT LAKE CITY — Surveying the many inspiring quotes at the time of death, ponder this one: "In life, the true measure of a man is not determined by his wealth or accomplishments, but by the impact he has on others."
Now apply it to the life of former Juan Diego High football coach John Colosimo, who died last week after suffering from the complications of Parkinson's disease for an extended period. His coaching credentials, which includes eight state championships during his 19 years at the Catholic school in Draper, led to the reason his passing became newsworthy.
Juan Diego teams won 17 region championships, 12 of which were incredibly consecutive, during Colosimo's tenure. Furthermore, those eight state titles tie him with Skyline's Roger DuPaix and Beaver's Al Marshall for the most in Utah history.
Colosimo, who coached at Judge Memorial from 1985-96, was inducted into the National High School Football Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Utah Sports Hall of Fame two years ago.
As if all those accomplishments weren't enough, his name will live on forever at Juan Diego. In 2022, the school renamed its football field John Colosimo Field at Soaring Eagle Stadium.
No doubt the man was an incredible coach. But all the football success barely touches on the impact of his life, which will be celebrated with a funeral mass on Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Madeline and a reception to follow at the Juan Diego campus.
In addition to his primary role as a husband and father to three children, Gianna, Julia and Gabriel, Colosimo was a stalwart in the community. An educator for 47 years, he helped launch the Skaggs Catholic Center and was the first academic vice principal at Juan Diego.
Surely, as most educators do in an unsung manner, he impacted the lives of countless students during his time as a teacher and administrator. Equally, if not more importantly, Colosimo's influence as a coach extends for generations to come.
Yes, there was something special about Coach John, as he was known. Hundreds of those boys, who are now men, can testify to it through the requirements he set forth.
"He was absolutely amazing in his uncanny ability to be strict and require discipline, but at the same time, love them up," current Juan Diego football coach and athletic director Danny Larson told the Deseret News. "His players would run through a wall for him. I know you hear that a lot, but there's really nobody like him."
Shortly after word of his death became public, hundreds of people took to the Juan Diego Facebook page to offer condolences and pay tribute to Colosimo. They ranged from his former students and players to grateful parents.
A sampling from one woman: "You encouraged and inspired your students and athletes to believe in themselves and work hard. You asked them to be role models and stewards of their faith in their communities.
"To take the lessons they learned at Juan Diego and to give back to the communities they live and work in. You reminded them to share their faith, time and talent with others. And to always remember the less fortunate. Your example of great leadership character and work ethic influenced your students and football players to strive for excellence beyond high school graduation, football and state championships."
Former player Tyler Bauman wrote: "He was an extraordinary man whose impact on my life as my high school football coach will never fade. Coach pushed me to become not just a better athlete, but a better person teaching me the value of hard work, sacrifice and faith.
"His leadership on the field, with those unforgettable moments praying the Rosary in the grotto, created a bond and sense of purpose that shaped who I am today."
