Hard-nosed. Hard-working. Hard to replace.
Former Saugus High football coach, physical education teacher, and Athletic Director Mike Ginolfi died Dec. 11 in his Rockport home surrounded by family. He was born in 1942 and is survived by devoted wife Peggy, with whom he shared 61 years.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Ginolfi,” said Saugus Athletic Director Matt Serino. “He helped shape the culture of Saugus High School athletics and left a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations. His commitment to Saugus High School and the Saugus community will not be forgotten.”
From his early days in Connecticut, football played a key role in Ginolfi’s life. He graduated Stamford High (’61) and earned a full scholarship to play at Northeastern University (’65).
But he wasn’t just a player . . .
He began his teaching and coaching career in Keene and captured a New Hampshire state championship in 1970. Ginolfi later moved to Billerica, where he continued teaching and coaching at Saugus High.
Under Ginolfi’s watch, the Sachems won Northeastern Conference titles in 1975 and 1977.
“Mike Ginolfi was a great coach and mentor to so many Saugus football players,” said Anthony Cogliano, vice chair of the Board of Selectmen, who graduated SHS in 1984. “He coached some of the best Saugus had to offer in Doug Mackie, John Nicolo, Steve Gannon, and Steve Peach, to name a few. I loved my coach and it’s my hope we can name something in his honor. Rest in Peace my friend and know that you had a big impact on the person I am today. Love you, Coach.”
One of Ginolfi’s key players was Mackie (’76), an All-American recognized as the Outstanding Lineman of the East Coast in 1975. He suited up for Ohio State and professionally in the USFL and NFL.
There was also Peach (’81), an All-Scholastic quarterback who started for Syracuse before transferring to Boston College, where he was a backup to Doug Flutie.
Ginolfi was inducted into the Massachusetts Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992 and Saugus High School Hall of Fame in 1993. He served as Saugus High’s athletic director from 1982 until his retirement in 2002.
Former Marblehead High football coach and Athletic Director Alex Kulevich, who shared the field against Ginolfi’s Sachems, said Ginolfi represented Saugus well.
“I enjoyed his friendship and then, when he became AD, we met on a monthly basis. He would do anything to help his program,” Kulevich said. “He was a great guy and got along well with everybody. I saw him this past spring at a get-together and it was great. We had some good trips to Saugus when he was coaching and he was always fair. He supported his team and kids, and I did the same with mine. We had some great games and I respected him.”
Sports never left Ginolfi’s side. He enjoyed visiting college football stadiums and was a steady presence for his five grandchildren at sporting events.
