STONY BROOK, N.Y. – The entire Stony Brook community mourns the loss of longtime football co-captain Joe Feminella. Joe was adopted by the Stony Brook football team in 2009, through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of children battling pediatric brain tumors.
 
"When I think of Joe, I think of success. Joe has taught me and the program many lessons and the number one thing that he taught us was how to work hard, how to set our goals, and how never to give up. I will always remember Joe's smile and his ability to give me the thumbs up when I looked at him. The Feminella family will always be part of the Stony Brook family," said head coach Chuck Priore.
 
As a member of the program, Joe helped the Seawolves to four conference championships (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) and four FCS Playoff berths (2011, 2012, 2017, 2018). Joe was a fixture at LaValle Stadium alongside coach Priore as together they led the Seawolves out of the tunnel before every home game. He was always a source of encouragement on the sidelines as he cheered the team on for 13 seasons.
 
The Seawolves formed a long-lasting friendship with Joe and his family. Over the past couple of years, he worked in the Stony Brook equipment room under the supervision of Director of Equipment Operations Enzo Zucconi.
 
Joe was able to touch the lives of so many during his time as a member of the Stony Brook football program. He was an inspiration to so many as his positive attitude and smile were always able to lift a room. Joe's memory will live on forever.