Cleveland, Ohio – Nick Restifo, a beloved Spanish teacher and football coach at St. Ignatius High School, has passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy both in the classroom and on the field.
He died on October 21, 2024, after years of dedicated service to the school and its community.
Restifo’s impact on generations of students and athletes has been widely acknowledged, with many expressing their condolences on social media.
Saint Ignatius High School shared a heartfelt message, noting that “Nick’s impact on our community, both in the classroom and on the field, will be remembered forever.”
Born in the 1950s in Cleveland, Restifo developed a passion for football early on.
He attended Cathedral Latin High School and later John Carroll University, where he played football and majored in Spanish.
His coaching career spanned decades, beginning at St. Joseph High School before moving to St. Ignatius in 1981, where he worked closely with his friend and mentor, Chuck Kyle.
The loss of Restifo has led to an outpouring of tributes.
Mark Ferfolia Sr. wrote, “Thoughts and prayers go out to the family… it is always sad to see the passing of someone who gave so much to our student athletes.”
Michael Pezo shared, “I officiated a couple games with him a number of years ago. Just a good guy. RIP.”
Bill Simon added, “Mr. Restifo was a true ‘men for others’. RIP, el caballero!”
Restifo’s influence on the lives he touched will be felt for many years to come.