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Junior achievement: DeBartolo makes HOF presentation at Mooney
Eddie DeBartolo Hall of Fame
Gallery
Former 49ers owner says his life has come full circle
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
Calling his formative years at Cardinal Mooney High School some of the most special of his life, Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. returned to his alma mater Wednesday as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company’s “Hometown Hall of Famer” initiative.
DeBartolo, a 2016 Hall of Fame inductee, presented Cardinal Mooney with his “Hometown Hall of Famer” plaque as CMHS, by accepting the historical artifact, became just the 107th enshrinees’ high school alma mater nationwide to become an “Official High School of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
“My life truly has come full circle. From Youngstown, to San Francisco, to Canton, back to Youngstown and now Cardinal Mooney High School, where it all began for me. It has been one memorable ride,” DeBartolo said.
With family members and a multitude of friends on hand, DeBartolo said it feels like just yesterday when he walked down the halls of his alma mater.
He told those gathered at the special assembly, especially directing his comments to students who lined the seats on both sides of the gymnasium, to enjoy their time in high school because they will look back and realize that they were some of the best times of their lives.
“Dream big,” he said during his speech and prior to the plaque presentation. “Your time here at Cardinal Mooney High School, enjoy them because they are better than your college years. There’s something about Ohio Values. They make you understand that you can’t get anywhere alone. The friends you make and the teams you play for, cherish those times. The friends that I made from the 1960’s, we still get together and every one of us cherishes those times together.”
One high school teacher, Frank Markovich, had a profound effect on the CMHS alum.
“Mr. Markovich was my algebra teacher. He taught so well, took time with us and was just really a great teacher,” he said. “There were other really, really good teachers as well with my favorite subject being Biology. In my mind and at that time, I wanted to be a doctor. My teacher back then was Sister Barbara and she too, had an effect on my life. As I got out of high school and I started seeing blood, I realized that this was not my profession of choice.”
DeBartolo’s sister, Denise DeBartolo York, was in attendance at the ceremony.
“My brother’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was probably the most emotional time for all of us,” she said. “This is also such a wonderful day for our entire family.”
Also included in the audience was longtime friend and mega recording superstar, Paul Anka, who noted that he has been coming to the Youngstown area for nearly 50 years.
“Eddie is a very special friend. His Hall of Fame honor was a long time in coming and no one was more deserving in my eyes,” Anka stated. “He’s the most gracious, loving and caring guy that I know.”
Longtime Cardinals football coach, Don Bucci, thanked DeBartolo for bringing together his longtime assistant, the late Ron Stoops, and him together with 49ers head coach Bill Walsh.
“He was responsible for sending Ron and I out to their complex in California to meet with Bill Walsh. It was absolutely great to meet with him and his staff, sharing ideas and just talking football,” Bucci said. “Eddie has been so gracious to his alma mater, both athletically and academically, and it was his father, Edward, Sr., who was responsible for me going to Notre Dame.”
Jack Gocala, a Cardinal Mooney alum (Class of 1966) and former football manager whose law enforcement career spans 45 years, including 21 years as Youngstown State’s Police chief, said DeBartolo has never forgotten his hometown roots nor his alma mater.
“Eddie has always worn his alma mater and hometown on his sleeve, especially on the game’s national stage,” Gocala said. “He’s proud of his Youngstown roots and we’re proud of his many accomplishments, especially his recent induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
During DeBartolo’s 23-year tenure as owner of the 49ers, he guided the franchise to five Super Bowl championships, 10 championship games, 13 division titles and 16 playoff appearances.
Current YSU football coach Bo Pelini, witnessed first-hand DeBartolo’s graciousness during the early days of his coaching career.
“Mr. DeBartolo is as special as they come. He changed the NFL because all he cared about was winning,” Pelini said. “He established the model franchise, spending money to make it happen. He always put his players first and I can tell you that I wouldn’t be where I am today if he didn’t give me the chance and an opportunity to come up through his organization.”
David Baker, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, called DeBartolo one of the best NFL owners in history.
“Eddie DeBartolo Jr. is the very essence of excellence — nobody cared more than he did,” Baker said. “God doesn’t measure one’s stature or size, he measures the heart and Eddie has that heart. He took care of his players, not just when they were playing for him but long afterwards.”
Baker added that DeBartolo wanted to do everything in a first-class manner.
“He went to the equipment manager and ticket manager before the season and would ask, ‘What do you need in order to be the best?” Baker said. “That’s how much he cared about his entire staff.”
DeBartolo concluded his speech by thanking those responsible for making the day one of the most special of his life.
“I am honored and humbled today and proudly present this Hall of Fame plaque to my alma mater,” he DeBartolo said. “Remember, you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it and may your lives always be filled with love and happiness.”