Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone, who was the New York Cosmos senior vice president, chairman of the National Premier Soccer League and a prominent member of the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club, has passed away.
He was 57.
Barone was influential in New York and American soccer. He was the New York Cosmos senior vice president, chairman of the National Premier Soccer League and a prominent member of the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club.
The Italian Serie A club announced Barone’s death on March 19, a day prior to his 58th birthday.
“It is with deep sorrow and immense sadness that Fiorentina confirms the loss of one of its figureheads, a person who has marked the recent history of the club and who will never be forgotten,” a statement said. “General Director Giuseppe Barone passed away today at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan after suddenly falling ill on Sunday.
“Rocco Commisso and his family, Daniele Pradè, Nicolas Burdisso, Alessandro Ferrari, Vincenzo Italiano, Cristiano Biraghi and everyone associated with Fiorentina are utterly devastated by the terrible loss of a man who showed great professionalism and gave his heart and soul for these colors. He was a treasured friend who always stayed strong in the happiest and, above all, the most difficult moments.
The entire Viola world sends its heartfelt condolences to Giuseppe’s wife Camilla, his children and the entire Barone family during this time of immense sorrow.”
On Sunday, Barone suffered a heart attack during a technical meeting at a hotel, prior to his team’s Serie A game with Atalanta. He was rushed to a hospital and was reported in serious and then criticial condition. He eventually was placed on life support.
“Joe was dedicated to the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club doing everything from playing, coaching and administration. He was the driving force to their Columbus Day Tournament year after year,” Eastern New York Hall of Famer Jim Vogt stated. “He was an advocate for soccer in New York City, holding many positions while also working in the banking industry and being a husband and father of four. When you look at Joe’s numerous accomplishments, you would think that he was more than one person but that’s what made Joe so good as he could multitask with the best. When do you see a kid from Brooklyn rise to become GM of a storied Serie A team.”
The Brooklyn Italians gave tribute to Barone on Instagram as well, “The Brooklyn Italians remembers its architect, heartbeat, friend, brother, father, husband, grandfather and family. Our thoughts and support extend wholeheartedly to the Barone family. We stand united in offering our deepest condolences and unwavering solidarity as they navigate this difficult journey of grief and loss. Our hearts and prayers remain steadfastly with them, serving as a beacon of comfort and support throughout this challenging time.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Barone and his passion for Fiorentina.
“I will carry with me those wonderful smiles you gave me,” Infantino said in an Instagram post. “You were proud of Viola Park, a beautiful sports center. You were always moved when you spoke of Fiorentina. You improved the world of football, who loses you too soon. Tomorrow you would have celebrated your 58th birthday. Have a safe journey dear Joe, and a big hug to all the people who loved you.”
Serie A president Lorenzo Casini said: “Italian football loses an outstanding managerial figure. Joe in his years at the helm of Fiorentina was able to express passion, competence and vision that allowed the club and the team to achieve important results both on the field and in management, with the inauguration of the extraordinary Viola Park facility. Joe was a hard worker, who brought the American entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to think big to Serie A and Italian football. He was generous and always ready to fight for the sake of the system. He will be sorely missed.”
The Cosmos also issued a statement: “It is with deep sorrow and sadness that the New York Cosmos confirm the loss of one of its greatest champions, a person who made a major impact on the recent history of the club and who will never be forgotten. Giuseppe Barone passed away today at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan after suddenly falling ill on Sunday.
“Rocco Commisso and his family, and all of Cosmos Country are utterly devastated by the terrible loss of a man who was a central figure in the reboot of the Cosmos and a tireless advocate for independent soccer in the United States. Joe was a treasured friend who always stayed strong in the happiest and, above all, the most difficult moments.
“The entire Cosmos family sends its heartfelt condolences to Joe’s wife Camilla, his children, and the entire Barone family during this time of immense sorrow.”
On Instagram, the Eastern New York State Soccer Association expressed its sympathies:
“The entire ENYSSA Family and Friends send its heartfelt condolences to the entire Barone Family during these times of sorrow.
“Joe was a player, coach, administrator, and most of all friend to everyone in ENYSSA; before he took the big leap to pursue a lifelong dream as a GM with @acffiorentina in Italy.
“Joe will be missed in the locker rooms, board rooms and especially the soccer fields in Brooklyn and across New York.”
Added U.S. Amateur Soccer Association president John Motta on X, formerly known as Twitter: “A very sad day for the soccer community!”
Born in Italy, Barone emigrated to the United States with his family when he was eight years old. He played for a local Brooklyn team called Pozzallo, which trained on a dirt field in Red Hook, Brooklyn. He played in local leagues in the Eastern New York State Soccer Association before performing at St. Francis College in the borough. Barone never played pro ball, but brought his passion and business acumen to the beautiful game.
He was a life member of the Brooklyn Italians, the storied New York City soccer club that captured the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1991.
Barone is survived by his wife, three sons – Peter, Salvatore and Giuseppe, and daughter, Gabriella.
Visiting on Monday, March 25 from 2-9 pm at Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen Church, 125 Summit Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, March 26 at 10 am at Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen Church.
Entombment to follow at Green Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.
For more information, please call Scotto Funeral Home at 718-875-2515.