Johnston's Dan Mazzulla Remembered For Dedicaton To His Athletes

JOHNSTON, RI — A basketball coach, former star player and mentor to generations of Johnston youth as Johnston's Director of Parks and Recreation was lost — and fondly remembered — on Wednesday with the death of Dan Mazzulla.

Mazzulla's family confirmed he died about 3:15 Wednesday afternoon surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Mazzulla, 61, had suffered from a brain tumor, with his family starting the "Team Danny" foundation in his name as he continued to coach in the recreation through his treatments.

"Thank you for all your kind words and support through this difficult time," the family said in a statement on social media. "We appreciate each and every one of you. Please understand we will try to respond to everyone, but give us time as we are grieving this tremendous loss."

Our Panther community just lost a great man. Thank you for all you've done over the years. You will be missed. Rest in Peace, Coach Dan. pic.twitter.com/YAQNHMeQwF
— JHS Panthers Basketball (@JHSPantherBball) April 23, 2020

A former star player at Johnston High and Bryant University, Mazzulla coached boys basketball, girls basketball, boys soccer and track and Johnston High. He also coached at Ferri Middle School and became the Johnston Parks and Recreation Director in 2003.

He was inducted into the Bryant University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007 as one of the top scorers in program history. Mazzulla helped guide the Bulldogs to two 20-win seasons and their first two NCAA tournament appearances from 1976-80. He is still 10th on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,390 points, fourth in rebounds at 761 and once shot 91.3 percent from the free throw line over an entire season.

Mazzulla also played five years of semi-professional basketball in Chile.

Our condolences go out to the Mazzulla family and Johnston Community as they mourn the passing of Coach Dan Mazzulla. Rest In Peace. @JHSRI_Panthers pic.twitter.com/Nuuwvwii9m
— CranstonEastGirlsBasketball (@chsegirlsbball) April 23, 2020

"As an athlete, coach, mentor and father, you had a significant impact on many lives," said Rhode Island Interscholastic League Executive Director Tom Mezzanotte. "You are gone but will never be forgotten. We will fondly remember you, and cherish the dedication, and love, you had for athletics, and for all of your athletes.

"Goodbye, old friend."