Jason Di Tullio, assistant coach & former player with CF Montreal dies of cancer
Posted July 29, 2022 11:43 am.
Last Updated July 29, 2022 11:54 pm.
The soccer community is mourning the death of Jason Di Tullio, an assistant coach and former player with CF Montreal
The 38-year-old Quebecer had been diagnosed with the most aggressive form of brain cancer in June 2021.
“He’s a legend honestly,” said Rocco Placentino, Di Tullio’s former teammate and Sporting Director of Club de soccer de Saint-Laurent. “He gave so much to the soccer community, but he gave so much to all of us.”
Salut Jason.#LAGR7NTA #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/ZRJvfNqKpp
— CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) July 29, 2022
His death was confirmed by the MLS club.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our assistant coach and former player Jason Di Tullio, who battled until the very end against cancer,” the Montreal club said in a social media post Friday. “Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, his colleagues and his former teammates.”
“This great soccer passionate leaves behind teammates and countless players whom he inspired as coach and assistant coach,” it added.
Di Tullio was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer last year, an aggressive form of cancer with an extremely low survival rate and no known cure. He underwent surgeries and radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
“I have him tattooed on my leg not because he’s my friend but because he’s an inspiration to me,” said Placentino. “I love him so much.”
“Sad news this morning.” Montreal midfielder Samuel Piette said in a social media post. “A courageous, positive and passionate man. Thanks for everything coach! Condolences to his family.”
A former Canadian youth international, Di Tullio represented Canada at the 2001 Francophone Games in Ottawa/Hull and at the 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
He served as an assistant coach with the Canadian under-17, under-20 and under-23 teams, most recently working with head coach Mauro Biello in men’s Olympic qualifying in March 2021.
Di Tullio played for Montreal pre-MLS from 2002 to 2007.
“He always put 100 per cent in everything he’s done,” said Sandro Grande, former teammate and FC Laval technical director. “Especially when it was regards to soccer.”
“He truly loved the sport, he was dedicated, he was passionate,” added Grande. “Had that fire in his eyes at all times.”
Growing up in Montreal’s RDP – when CityNews spoke with Di Tullio back in December 2021 – he thanked his parents for bringing him to every soccer practice as a kid which led him to making his mark in the soccer community – including playing for the Montreal Impact – winning a league championship in 2004.
“La Grinta legacy is going to be with us for a very long time,” said Grande.
“He fought, he really did,” added Placentino. “Now he’s going to be our guardian angel from above.”
