Joe Sirianni, the trainer and equipment manager of the original Rochester Lancers who was considered the soul of the team before becoming a well-known figure in the Italian-American community in Rochester, N.Y., has passed away. He was 87. Sirianni celebrated his birthday on July 5.

During the Lancers’ 14-year existence in the American Soccer League and North American Soccer League, Sirianni was arguably the most beloved and respected member of the organization. “Today is a very sad day,” former Lancers star forward Carlos Metidieri wrote on his Facebook page. “I lost my best friend, my trainer , my Cumpari. Giuseppe Sirianni. R I P my amigo. I Will never forget you.”