Family, friends, former athletes, and the community will soon gather to honor the life and legacy of Joseph “Joe” Cesari, the iconic North Schuylkill wrestling coach who passed away on October 3, 2025
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont. Father Andrew Stahmer will officiate the service. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Brennan’s Farm Road, Kulpmont.
Following the Mass and burial, the North Schuylkill community will host a celebration of Joe’s life from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cesari-Hope Gymnasium at North Schuylkill High School, 15 Academy Lane, Ashland. In true Cesari fashion, attendees are encouraged to come comfortably dressed in attire that reflects the programs, teams, and organizations Joe cherished. Suggestions include team or band polos, school activity jackets, warmup tops, officiating gear, Kulpmont Cruise shirts, or other respectful clothing.
Honoring Joe’s Legacy Through Giving
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to organizations close to Joe’s heart and his lifelong commitment to athletics, education, and care for others:
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Spartan Wrestling Boosters – PO Box 72, Gordon, PA 17936 or Venmo @NSWrestling
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Kulpmont Football and Baseball Association (KFBA) – Attn: Greg Berezovske, c/o KFBA, 454 East Columbia Ave., Mt. Carmel, PA 17851 or Venmo @kfbasports_2023
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Church of the Holy Angels – 855 Scott Street, Kulpmont, PA 17834
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Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) – PO Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042 or online via “Donate Here.” This cause was especially meaningful to Joe, as one of his grandchildren battles Type 1 diabetes.
Arrangements are entrusted to C.J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont.
A Life Remembered
Joe Cesari’s coaching career from 1962 to 1989 produced 357 victories, 19 league championships, and two state team titles. His unmatched 91.8% winning percentage still stands as the highest in Pennsylvania wrestling history. More than a coach, he was a mentor, motivator, and father figure to generations of student-athletes across Schuylkill and Northumberland counties.