Joseph Edward Bushofsky
January 24, 1939 - March 06, 2024
Visitation: Thursday March 21, 2024 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy
Service: Mass of Christian Burial Friday March 22nd, 10:30 AM at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
Joseph Edward Bushofsky, 85, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at home surrounded by loved ones.
Joe was born Jan. 24, 1939, in Pittsburgh on the North side, to the late Jacob and Anna (Suska) Bushofsky. Joe graduated from North Catholic in 1957, was Vice President of his class, and a three-sport letterman. Joe received a scholarship and graduated from North Carolina State University in 1962. He played football for the Wolfpack from 1959-1961. Joe began his coaching career in Pittsburgh-area high schools, eventually returning to his alma mater. Joe coached North Catholic to its first Pittsburgh Catholic League title, with a perfect, undefeated, untied season. The 1970’s team played before 10,000 fans at Three Rivers Stadium. Joe stated, “before the game, Steelers’ founder Art Rooney Sr. came into the locker room and talked to us,” he said. “All of his sons went to North Catholic.” After falling behind early, 7-0, North Catholic scored 33 unanswered points to secure the victory. “Those kids still get together,” Bushofsky said. “It was a special team.”
After teaching and coaching at North Catholic, he moved to the NFL in 1974 as a scout for the BLESTO combine under Jack Butler. He joined the Detroit Lions scouting staff and was named personnel director in 1987. Joe helped draft players such as Barry Sanders, Chris Speilman, and Herman Moore. He was hired by the Miami Dolphins working with legendary Head Coach Don Shula from 1992 to 1994. He ended his career in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers from 1995 to 2002 working alongside his brother Jack Bushofsky. After 28 years working in the NFL, he retired in 2002 in Pinehurst, Nc. He loved to paint and was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing under the Carolina blue sky. Joe was inducted into the 2010 Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and a member of the class of 2008 North Catholic Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rosemarie (Kollinger) Bushofsky; two brothers, Jack (Maryanne) Bushofsky of New Port Richey, Fl, James (Cathy) Bushofsky of Pittsburgh, Pa; son, Ted (Teri) Bushofsky, of Lake Orion, Mich.; daughters, Tracy (Keith) Cornacchia, of Lake Orion, Mich., Trish (Matthew) McDonnell, of McMurray, Pa., and Terri Bushofsky, of Durham, Nc.; five grandchildren, Andrew, Anthony, Emma, Michael and Patrick and one great-grandchild, Brayden.
A visitation will be held at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy on Thursday, March 21st from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 22, 10:30 am at Saint Teresa of Avila Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Send Flowers Shop Gifts Print Obituary Share Obituary
God Rest His Precious Soul. I could see how you were mad about your husband at our grade school reunion. You must have had a wonderful life together. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family, at this time.
May Joe Rest in Peace in Heaven with Jesus and others from North Catholic that have passed away.
I was fortunate to play for Coach Bushofsky at North. He was great at teaching the fundamentals of football at your position, and equally great at preparing a team to play the upcoming opponent.
I can’t say enough about his preparation. Rest in peace coach.
My deepest sympathy to the Bushofsky family for your loss. As a former student, player and colleague of Joe, I was very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a role model and mentor during my early teaching career at North. Again, my sincere condolences.
Jim, my sincerest condolences. Ray Schaming
I knew Joe Bushofsky as my Canevin HS Football Coach from 67-68. I enjoyed playing for him and his fellow coaches. I grew as a young man from my experience with him as coach! I am sorry to hear about his passing and will pray for him and family!
Joe g
I want Joe’s family to know that he was a very special person and mentor to me. I played for Joe on the NC 1968 team. I learned a lot from him. Rest in peace Mr Bushofsky.
I went to high school with Joe and played on the football team with him. Joe was a tackle and I was a guard. I truly believe Joe blocked all of my defenders as well. I send my deepest sympathies to Rose and all of her family. May God Bless you.
Joe was best in everything; his family life, his Catholic Faith and his Football Careers. He had a great Life!
Our condolences, Rose, to you and your family 💔 Joe was such a great guy and loved by his many friends at North, and every where else. Enjoyed you guys when we were neighbors in MI. He will truly be missed at our stags and reunions.
🙏🙏
My thoughts and prayers are with Rose and family. Joe was my classmate at North Catholic but more importantly a close friend though out the years. Joe rest in peace 🙏
I knew Joe before North. A bunch of us hung out at Tommy’s dairy store. Joe was a good friend. Sorry for your loss Rose and family.
Dear Rose,
I’ll remember Joe in my daily Mass along with all of Joe’s classmates who have gone on ahead of us. God bless you and all your family.
Fr Bill Seifert
12 A, North Catholic 1957
Soo sorry Rose and her family i most remember Joe, who sat in front of me in the ninth grade and 9F at North North Catholic, his buddy John Buckley sat behind me and i remember rose from the first grade at Nativity elementary school. I will keep your whole family in my prayers.