Springfield College mourns the passing of Lou DiRienzo

Football
7/1/2026 9:00:00 AM

Springfield, Massachusetts – July 1, 2026 – Springfield College and the entire collegiate football community mourn the unexpected passing of coach Lou DiRienzo Jr., former graduate assistant and defensive coordinator for the Springfield College football program. DiRienzo, who had just turned 34, died on Saturday, June 27, in New Jersey.

Throughout his coaching career, DiRienzo built a reputation as an excellent teacher, defensive strategist and student-athlete developer. He joined Monmouth University in 2025 as the linebackers coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2026. Prior to Monmouth, he spent five successful seasons at Springfield College as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, helping guide the program to five New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) championships.

“During his time on Alden Street, Lou represented the very best of Springfield College,” said athletics director Dr. Craig Poisson. “While his achievements on the football field were impressive, it was the relationships he built with our students and student-athletes that truly defined him. His impact will be measured not only in victories and championships, but in the lives he helped shape. Our thoughts and prayers are with Allison, Audrina, Giavanna and the entire DiRienzo family during this incredibly difficult time.”

In 2023, he was recognized as the Gridiron Club of New England Division II/III Co-Assistant Coach of the Year and in 2024, he led the Pride to a historic season that saw Springfield reach the NCAA Division III National Quarterfinals for the first time in 24 seasons. His previous coaching stops include Rutgers University and Wagner College.

“Lou was so much more than a football coach. He was a devoted husband to Allie, a loving father to Audrina and Giovanna, an incredible mentor and a loyal friend. He dedicated his life to serving others, believing that coaching was about helping young men become better leaders, better husbands, better fathers and better people,” said Springfield College football head coach Mike Cerasuolo. “Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Lou knows the impact he made. He led with humility, integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to others. He invested in people, built genuine relationships and lived every day with the heart of a servant. He embodied everything Springfield College Football aspires to be.”

In a total of six years at Springfield College, two as an assistant in 2016 and 2017 and four as a coach under Cerasuolo from 2020-2024, the Pride won 52 games, went a perfect 33-0 in NEWMAC games and hoisted the NEWMAC Trophy five times. He coached three NEWMAC Defensive Athletes of the Year in Nick Giorgio (2017), Quinn Sweeney (2023) and Billy Carr (2024) and was part of a staff that was named NEWMAC Coaching Staff of the Year in 2017, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

A native of Yonkers, New York, DiRienzo graduated from New Rochelle High School before earning a degree in health and physical education from Southern Connecticut State University, where he excelled as a linebacker and served as team captain. He later completed his studies at Springfield College, where he earned a master’s degree in education while serving as a graduate assistant football coach.

Known for his infectious laugh and unwavering dedication to helping others, DiRienzo was also a registered bone marrow donor through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), reflecting his lifelong commitment to service.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, July 2 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Westchester Funeral Home in Eastchester, New York. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 3, at Assumption Church in Tuckahoe, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).

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