Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris died Sunday (August 25) at the age of 70, the team announced on its social media accounts.
"Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D'Alessandris' passing early this morning," the Ravens wrote.
The team had previously announced that D'Alessandris was dealing with an acute illness that required treatment for an extended period of time, which was a complication from a surgical procedure the veteran coach had undergone in the summer.
"Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better," head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement shared on the Ravens' website. "He was our reader at team mass, and he was loved by all here. He was a great coach and a good man -- the kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving husband. His grandkids also adored him. I admired him, loved him and am going to miss him, because 'Joe D.' was a joy. Toni has him back now. May God bless 'Joe D.' forever."
D'Alessandris joined Harbaugh's staff in 2017 after previously working as the offensive line coach for the then-San Diego Chargers (2013-15) and Buffalo Bills (2010-12). The Pennsylvania native previously worked as an assistant offensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs (2008-09) and an offensive line coach at several college football programs including Georgia Tech (2002-07), Duke (1997-2001), Pittsburgh (1996) and Texas A&M (1994).