Funeral for former St. John's coach John Gagliardi held Monday

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (KMSP) - The funeral for legendary former St. John’s University football coach John Gagliardi was held Monday in Collegeville, Minnesota. 

Gagliardi died last week at the age of 91. He retired from St. John’s in 2012 as the winningest coach in college football history. He had become famous for his unconventional coaching techniques.

One of those who spoke at the service was his son Jim Gagliardi.

“We’d drive hundreds of miles out of the way if there was a college we hadn’t seen before, and we’d always visit their football stadiums and their facilities,” Jim Gagliardi said.

Especially for the family, the past few weeks have been filled with friends and stories and goodbyes.

“One of the most precious things I had with my dad at the end was I was so blessed…before he died I was able to give him some water. It was a privilege," Jim Gagliardi said.

Over the weekend, a tribute was held at Saturday's Tommie-Johnnie game —the annual rivalry match between St. Thomas University and St. John’s. The Johnnies won 40-20.

Gov. Mark Dayton proclaimed Monday, Oct. 15 as John Gagliardi Day in Minnesota, honoring the longtime coach.