Joe Loprinzi, a MAC icon.

MAC is sad to announce the passing of Joe Loprinzi, one of MAC’s greatest icons. Joe died on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at the age of 95 at his home in Portland. 

On Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. there was a Memorial Mass service for Joe Loprinzi at St. Ignatius Church, 3400 Southeast 43rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97206. Immediately following the mass, the Multnomah Athletic Club hosted a celebration of Joe's life at at MAC. Hundreds of current and former MAC members attended, and many spoke of the profound impact that Joe Loprinzi had on their lives and families. 

A longtime athlete, instructor, a friend, and role model, Loprinzi worked for the club for 60 years. “It’s awfully hard to describe the nature of a man like Joe,” says Bud Lewis, a friend of Joe for more than 30 years. “He was special individual. He had a rare capacity to make you feel as if you’re a close personal friend. Nothing is as important as what he was doing when he was talking to you.”

Former club President Phil Brown says, “I’ve never known anyone who didn’t love Joe. He touched so many lives in such a positive way.”

“Joe was a man of genuine, boundless optimism. He conveyed that to you with quiet enthusiasm. There was simply no greater praise than a soft ‘Good job!’ coming from Joe,” says Tom Walsh, longtime MAC member and friend of Loprinzi.

MAC named the Loprinzi Wing and, more recently, one of its restaurants for Loprinzi. MAC also presents the Joe Loprinzi Inspirational Award each year to a member who inspires others in the spirit of Joe. The Multnomah Athletic Foundation also honors Joe with the Loprinzi Scholarship that is awarded each year to area high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of Joe.

Donations may be made to MAF in Joe Loprinzi’s name by clicking here.

The thoughts and great prayers of the entire MAC family are with Joe, his family and friends.

Norm Rich, General Manager
and
Ross Meinhart, President