Lacrosse Player And Coach Rosalia Gioia Died Leaving Behind His Family
Lacrosse was one of five sports in which Gioia was a nationally rated official, along with basketball, volleyball, softball, and track.
NewsRohit MaharjanOctober 26, 2026
This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on October 26, 2026
According to sources, Rosalia Gioia, a 2004 inductee into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, has died.
Gioia was a longtime club player and high school coach, and spent over 50 years officiating high school lacrosse and more than 30 years at the collegiate level.
Lacrosse was one of five sports in which Gioia was a nationally rated official, along with basketball, volleyball, softball, and track.
She was recognized by many as a champion of lacrosse and a pioneer in developing the women’s game in New York City and on Long Island.
As a student at Hunter College, where she served as president of the Athletic Association, Gioia played both basketball and field hockey.
Since the school had no lacrosse team during her college days, Gioia joined the New York Women’s Lacrosse Association (NYWLA) and competed as a club player for nearly 20 years.
She participated in the prestigious Women’s National Tournament as a post-collegiate player from 1953 to 1975, and earned reserve status for the 1966 Women’s National Team.
Gioia later served as both president and longtime treasurer of the NYWLA, as well as chair of the Nassau County Lacrosse Officials Association. She was also chairperson for the US Field Hockey Association.
Hall Of Fame Rosalia Gioia Passed Away At The Age of 94
According to various reports, former Lacrosse player Rosalia Gioia died in October 2026 at the age of 94. However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Ingke Rickmers from New Hyde Park took to her official Facebook page to mourn the loss of Rosalia. She wrote,
It is with great sadness that I report that one of our beloved teachers, Ms. Rosalia Gioia, has passed away at the age of 94. She touched our lives in many different ways. Viewing will be at NHP Funeral Home today and tomorrow. I’m having a hard time sharing the obituary post from the funeral home website.
Ingke RickmersLong Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Foundation also offered its heartfelt condolences. They wrote,
It is with profound sadness that the LIMLF announce passing of Rosalia Gioia. Ro, as she was fondly known on the lacrosse fields, was a member of the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame, LIMLF Hall of Fame, Hunter College Hall of Fame and Nassau County High School Hall of Fame.
Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse FoundationGerry Dackerman, who works at Sewanhaka High School, also mourned Rosalia’s loss. He wrote,
ROSALIA GIOIA Ro Gioia died today at the age of 95. It was her birthday. This picture illustrates only one aspect of Ro’s character. She had a fabulous sense of humor. Others will speak of her career as a coach and teacher and referee and sports fan. I knew her as a friend. She taught my kids not to use the same spoon for their jelly and peanut butter sandwiches.
Gerry DackermanOther close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Rosalia’s family, urging them to stay strong in this difficult time.
Her funeral service will be held at Church of St. Aidan, 505 Willis Ave. Williston Park.
She will always be remembered for her unforgettable contributions as a Lacrosse player.
Rest in Heaven, Rosalia Gioia.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- As a lifetime educator, Gioia coached lacrosse at both New Hyde Park Memorial and Great Neck high schools, where she also served as a revered physical education teacher.
- In addition to her induction to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Gioia was also a member of the USA Lacrosse Long Island Chapter Hall of Fame, the Hunter College Hall of Fame, and the Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
- Check other Articles on
- Rosalia Gioia
Rohit MaharjanRohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.
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