Giant Atlantic City & Holy Spirit High Legend Has Passed Away

This all-time great was a graduate of Atlantic City High School and a 5-time State Championship Head Football Coach at Holy Spirit High School.

The term legend is way overused in society today. However, it fits perfectly when you’re talking about Lou Paludi.

Lou Paludi passed away earlier today. He was a gentle giant, who displayed ultimate leadership qualities … coupled with kindness and respect that he demonstrated at all times.

Former coach and former Atlantic County Freeholder Frank Finnerty described “Coach Lou’s” passing like this:

“Former Coach's of Holy Spirit and getting together at Ventnor headquarters sharing stories about our friend Lou Paludi who passed away peacefully today Bob Garbutt, Jim Gallagher and Stan Bergman. Thanks Lou for being a great mentor and friend,” said Finnerty.

Directly below, are Garbutt, Gallagher and Bergman from earlier today:

Coach Paludi won 5 state championships at Holy Spirit High School.

As a head coach, Paludi was both an innovator and a motivator.

When the end was near, iconic Atlantic County, New Jersey coaches, players and friends gathered on Monday, July 10, 2023 to honor the life of Coach Lou Paludi.

This special gathering to honor "Coach Lou" was “Who's Who" list of coaching and player greats through the years.

One of the things I loved the most about Coach Lou… He was undeniably the coach… There was no question about that whatsoever… However, he would affectionately call you coach. I loved that about him. It was Paludi showing respect the way that he always did.

For many years, I invited Coach Lou into our WPG Talk Radio 95.5 broadcast booth for our coverage of the annual Atlantic City high school versus Holy Spirit high school Thanksgiving day football game.

Below is a photo of both Fred Nickles (left) and Coach Lou (right). Now, both of these great men have touch the face of God.

As a graduate of Atlantic City High School and a legendary Holy Spirit championship head coach ... Coach Lou Paludi displayed a profound knowledge of what this sport is really about.

Coach Lou spent more than 15 years with us in the broadcast booth on Thanksgiving Day.

It was a privilege to work with Coach Lou Paludi.