SHORE PERSPECTIVES Former Football Coach Joe Ortelli Shows That Helping Others Is Not A Busted Play

By Kelley Gaskill

Award-winning filmmaker and philanthropist Steven Sawalich once said, “Help the life of one person and you can help the community.”

Helping others is about contributing to someone’s journey, easing their burden or even just brightening their day without expecting anything in return. It doesn’t always have to be grand gestures; small acts of kindness can ripple out and make a big difference. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, sharing knowledge, volunteering time or simply spreading kindness in everyday moments, every effort matters.

This week, Kelley visited Joe Ortelli, a high school football coach in Pennsylvania for three decades before moving to the Shore and coaching at Northampton and Nandua, as he reflected on his journey and making a difference in the lives of more than the young athletes under his guidance.