Sudden death of longtime assistant Steve Jacoby hits De La Salle football community hard

Described as a 'ray of sunshine,' and 'teddy bear,' the popular and affable 61-year-old coached for 'all the right reasons.'

The football team at perennial national football power De La Salle were in tears Friday morning, learning of the death of longtime defensive line coach Steve Jacoby. 

The 61-year-old died suddenly Thursday, according to coaches, after not feeling well earlier in the week. 

A team meeting at school Friday morning was met with shock and tears, said former head coach Bob Ladouceur, who learned of Jacoby's passing on Thursday night. The team voted to play a nonleague game with El Cerrito scheduled 7 p.m. Friday night. 

Jacoby, 61, has been on staff since 2006. He was known for his upbeat, gregarious nature, love for kids and passion for coaching at De La Salle. 

"The kids were very sad, visibly shaken and surprised," said Ladouceur, who attended the meeting to show support for the coaches and players. "The kids really loved him. He was someone who was always upbeat, always positive. It's a big blow to the school and program. 

"He was a very vital part of the program for a long time." 

Ray of sunshine

Said De La Salle head coach Justin Alumbaugh: "He was a great friend. He was a man who brought a lot of smiles. He was always stoked to be out there coaching the kids, being around the coaches and team. Steve was definitely a ray of sunshine."  

Jacoby, a Southern California native played football and graduated from nearby St. Mary's College. He watched the De La Salle program from afar and eventually showed up to the campus in the middle 2000s. 

Ladouceur, who was the head coach from 1979 to 2013, said he was looking for coaches at the time. 

Steve Jacoby, 61, coached with De La Salle since 2006 / Courtesy photo: De La Salle

"He asked if there was any way to help the program," Ladouceur said. "He fit the bill. He did an outstanding job from the get-go. The kids were drawn to him. Personally, he was very affable. He was a real asset right away. He'd do anything for the kids. He knew all their parents. The kids had his phone number. He was just a gregarious and happy fellow and loved what he was doing. He was a joy to have on the staff and did it all for the right reasons." 

When Ladouceur handed the reigns to Alumbaugh, he stayed on and assisted side-by-side with Jacoby, coaching the defensive line together. 

"His two daughters were his pride and job, but De La Salle was one of his other true loves," Ladouceur said. "He was just an excellent coach. A wonderful person. He believed in the Lasallian principals. He gave so much to the game and the kids." 

Jacoby just celebrated his 61st birthday on Tuesday. 

Jacoby grin

"The team sang happy birthday for him," Alumbaugh told Darren Sabedra of the San Jose Mercury News. "It's a memory that will be etched in my mind forever. The team was happy and smiling and he had that big, old Jacoby grin.

"It's going to be sad and hard (playing Friday's game). But they're young men. They're capable of making decisions, too. I let them know they could make whatever decision that they're comfortable with and we'll fully support it."

Friday's game originally was scheduled against Foothill-Pleasanton, which cancelled Tuesday due to a lack of healthy players. The date was going to stay open, but Wednesday El Cerrito announced it had an opening after its game with Hercules was cancelled for similar reasons. 

A strange week already turned very sad with the news of Jacoby. 

"It's a sad day for sure," Ladouceur said. "But there was nothing sad about Steve or how he lived his life."

News of Jacoby's passing has traveled quick throughout the De La Salle community, Alumbaugh said. Inside of a day, he's probably heard from close to 100 former players, including Boss Tagaloa, who starred on the 2015 state championship team before playing four seasons at UCLA. 

Authentic heart

"He sent a bunch of video clips with coach Jacoby from his senior year," Alumbaugh said. "The man brought everyone a lot of smiles. He was like a big teddy bear, just happy to be with the boys. Everyone had a true appreciation and love for him." 

In a video tribute and fundraiser for Jacoby, his family wrote: 

"It's with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a remarkable soul, Steven Gene Jacoby. His infectious smile, genuine warmth, and boundless love touched the lives of everyone he met. Steve was not just a friend; he was an extraordinary dad, partner, friend, coach, ally, therapist, and cheerleader. His legacy of kindness and authenticity lives on in the countless hearts he's touched." 

See more here: 

• Video tribute | Memorial fund for Steve Jacoby