David J. Bocanelli

DAVID J. BOCANELLI, Age 63; beloved son of Lena (nee Valeri) and the late Ambrose; loving brother of Tom (Isabel); dearest uncle of David Bocanelli and Ian Henry; David was a proud graduate of Padua High School Class of 1975. He was a well-known Fielder’s Choice baseball coach and instructor of The Baseball Batting Cages@Brecksville. He was a mentor and a motivator to his players and students over the past 45 years. He will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 5891 Ridge Rd., Parma Monday April 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), SUNDAY 1-5 P.M.

Coach Dave Bocanelli combines over three decades of coaching and instructing. He has earned awards throughout the Greater Cleveland area including the 1998 AAU Coach of the Year. An outstanding coach in men and youth organizations, his dedication has sent young men onto college scholarships as well as professional contract signings.  In 1995, his 14 & Under Puritas/Fielder’s Choice team won the Division I Dizzy Dean and NBC State Championships. They placed 3rd in the World Series representing Ohio as well as being honored with the Sportsmanship Award. In his 30 years of coaching baseball, his 14U Fielder’s Choice team finished 2nd in the CABA World Series and had an overall record of 79-13-1.