Lehigh University Athletics
Former head coach Tavormina passes away at 57
12/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Bethlehem, PA - Manny Tavormina, former Lehigh men’s soccer coach, passed away recently after suffering from a relatively short illness. Tavormina took over as head coach in 1978 after serving as an assistant to Dr. Tom Fleck for three years. A native of Sicily, he lettered twice in soccer at East Stroudsburg University. Tavormina graduated in 1971 and went on to receive a Masters degree in education from Lehigh in 1975. Tavormina lead Lehigh to a 21-18-7 record during his three years as head coach, and his 1978 squad advanced to the ECAC Mid-Atlantic Southern Tournament Championship game after an 11-2-3 season. Tavormina was a well-known and respected coach and one of the founders of local soccer.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning at 9:15 a.m. at the Heintzelman Funeral Home at 326 Main St. in Hellertown, with a mass scheduled for 10:00 in the church. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday night in the funeral home.
Tavormina is survived by his wife Carol, son Joseph C., and daughter Carla.
