Joseph Robert Sabbatini

Joseph Robert Sabbatini, age 82, of Ocean Springs, MS passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Joseph was born in Leland, MS on July 12, 1937 to Terzo “Buster” and Jennie Cuicchi Sabbatini. He attended Leland High School, Sunflower Junior College, where he was an All-State football player, and Delta State University, where he also played football. Joseph served in the U.S. Army for 2 years. Joseph came to Biloxi in 1962, where he coached track and football. He was the head football coach at Biloxi High School from 1972 – 1982 and also served as an Athletic Director. After retiring from athletics, Joseph was the maintenance director for the Biloxi School System. He was inducted into the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Whether you knew him as the beloved football coach of Biloxi High School, a friendly face around town, or as the man who loved to fish, Joe was always there to brighten up the day. From his love of life on the water to his enjoyment of fishing with friends, Joe never lacked the ability to make those around him smile. One of the most fulfilling parts of life for Joe, was his constant aspiration to help those around him, whether it be something as novel as home improvement projects with friends, or large projects that he was ready to tackle head on. He was a man who always put others first, and never wanted to let you down. His kindness didn’t stop there, as his love for animals was infinite. If he saw an animal that was in need of help, say no more, that animal would be in need no longer. Joe’s legacy will live on in Biloxi because although he is gone, he will continue to be the coach, friend, father, and friendly face we all grew to love. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy Sabbatini; daughter, Michaela Sabbatini Hill; siblings, Charles Sabbatini, Eugene Sabbatini, Frank Sabbatini, and Alice Marie Sabbatini. Survivors include his children, Danny (Stacy) Sabbatini, Premo (Michelle) Sabbatini, Gina Sabbatini, and Mary Sabbatini Guidry; grandchildren, Matthew (Crystal)Hill, Jennifer Hill (Eddie) Rivers, Megan Sabbatini (Mike) Jacobs, Joel (Christy) Bowman, Emily Bowman, Nicole Guidry, and Abby Guidry; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Madison, Parker, Atley Kate, Kimberly, Alexandria, and Wynn; and his friend of many years, Beverly Bond. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS is in charge of arrangements. (228) 875-1266 The family would like to extend a special thank you to the loving caregivers and staff at Lighthouse Assisted Living and Memory Care, Praetorian Health Services, and Notre Dame Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Notre Dame Hospice, 1000 Howard Avenue, 10th floor, New Orleans, LA 70113 or Jackson County Animal Shelter, 4400 Audubon Lane, Gautier, MS 39553.