|
On Sunday afternoon October 31, 1999, Hofstra University's John Ciampi passed away at Island Medical Center in Hempstead, New York. Ciampi, a native of Pelham, New York, was a two-year starter at offensive tackle on Hofstra's football team. Fans offer their condolences below... Jack: "The Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on them in their sorrow." (Isaiah 49:13) DutchDoug: My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of John Ciampi and I also wish to extend those thoughts and prayers to Hofstra University as well. The world didn't just lose a great football player. No. What the world lost is a very special person. Words can't describe what an amazing person John was. The strength and the passion he displayed on the football field was even more evident off the field. He had the most tremendous personality and not to mention the heart of a lion. Being a student at Hofstra as well, I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to talk with a person that had such a great personality and indomitable spirit. There was this warmth you felt being in his presence. It's that same presence where if you saw him passing by on campus, you couldn't help but get the urge to go up and hug him like a giant teddy bear. John, you will truly be missed. You are loved by all. Rest in peace. VPISANO79: What a tragedy! My thoughts go out to the family as well as the team. This is a tremendous loss both athletically and emotionally. JoeyBagODonuts: My prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates. Dutchie: This is a very sad day indeed. Rest in peace fellow Dutchman! Chuck: Condolences to John's family, teammates and friends. Dave H: I too wish to express my condolences to John's family, friends and teammates-a tragic loss. stuball888: What a shock. Condolences to John and his family and friends-he will be missed. The players should wear a black band or his number on their sleeves for the rest of the season. John Garry: Very sad news. My condolences to all of his friends, teammates and loved ones. My prayers go out to them. GuyF: Our deepest sympathies to the Ciampi family. RIP. TheVoice: My deepest sympathy for those who have lost a friend and loved one. Riderguy: My condolences to John's family and friends. Remember also Walter Payton on this day. Scott: My thoughts go out to John's family, friends and the entire Hofstra community. henfan: Condolences Dutch fans for the loss of John Ciampi. Another reminder that there are more important things than football. Hopefully HU players and coaches will be able to overcome his tremendous loss and, in time, finish out the season in a winning fashion. Paladin Fan: Condolences Dutch fans. Our prayers are with your fine program. This is a tragic loss for 1-AA football. 3r20: Summer practice, helmets glisten The coaches talk, the players listen New season starts with hopes and dreams break the huddle with blocking schemes the trenches where the game is won big men battle glory is none John - one of the best in all the land Let me rise and give you one last hand. It is clear to me that Vince Lombardi must have needed an offensive lineman for the big game above. God rest his soul. The Quiet Critic: Condolences to John Ciampi's family and friends...Everyone needs to always remember that we need to make the most of every day we are here. Whether it be by our actions or how we effect others. We all are Day to Day... "By the Grace of God go I" Joseph Pensabene: The following is a prayer to Saint Sebastian, the Patron Saint of Athletes. Sebastian was charged as a Christian, tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. He survived, recovered, and returned to preach to Diocletian. The emperor then had him beaten to death... Dear Commander at the Roman Emperor's court, you chose to be also a soldier of Christ and dared to spread faith in the King of Kings-for which you were condemned to die. Your body, however, proved athletically strong and the executing arrows extremely weak. So another means to kill you was chosen and you gave your life to the Lord. May athletes be always as strong in their faith as their Patron Saint so clearly has been. Amen. Eric: RIP, John |