We Remember

Coach Louis J. Marotti

[Article from the San Jose Mercury News, Oct. 7, 2003]

Known to everyone as Coach Marotti and to colleagues and ex-players as "Coach", passed away on October 3, 2003. He leaves behind numerous memories of steering people to "never give up and pursue your dreams until they come true." Having the opportunity to coach sons Robert and Thomas in football at Campbell High School brought tremendous joy to his illustrious career.

Coaching against son Frank as a player, and later as an adversary in football and baseball brought to the family a loving closeness in the area he dedicated his entire life to. His greatest coaching thrill was watching his sons play NCAA football, always coaching them, giving advice, and proudly watching them play the game he loved second only to his family.

A devoted family man and loving husband to wife, Virginia, everything away from teaching and coaching was doing things with and for his wife and sons. His accomplishments as a high school coach were numerous. He was part of football championships at Campbell and Camden, state wrestling championships at Camden and Prospect. "Coach" spent the last part of his career teaching Physical Education and Driver Education in the Campbell Union High School District starting in 1956.

His dedication to improving education did not stop with his retirement. He served two terms as a Board of Trustee member helping to bring quality education to the district. He never forgot the ranks for teachers and quality education improvement. He was instrumental in securing the first lighted football field in the CUHSD. After his NFL playing days from 1941 – 1946 with the New York Giants and Chicago Cardinals, playing offensive guard, he started his high school coaching career.

It started in Osseo, Minnesota, then Strasburg, North Dakota, to Turlock, California, and finally to Campbell. This covered 35 years of influencing young people's lives and leaving a mark, which many will remember.

The passing of Coach Marotti will leave a void in many lives, especially family, friends and ex-students.