Beloved Coach Remembered Via Twitter

John Benedetto hadn't coached at Land O' Lakes High School since 2008, but when word of his death came earlier this week the school mourned as if he were still a constant presence in the hallways.

In many ways he was a constant presence at the school. Benedetto had coached football at the school for more than 30 years and earned the title of Pasco County's most winning coach. Last year, the school named its football stadium after Benedetto.

He died on Sunday night, April 21. Benedetto was 66 years old.

Benedetto's memorial service begins 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 at the Grace Family Church, 5101 Van Dyke Road, in Lutz.

Across Twitter, people paid homage to Benedetto:

Ric Mellin, Land O' Lakes High School principal @LOLHSprincipal tweeted "R.I.P Coach John Benedetto."

USF Writer for the Tampa Bay Times Greg Auman @gregauman tweeted: "Sad to hear longtime Land O'Lakes football coach John Benedetto has died at age 66. His Gators teams in early 2000s were a treat to cover."

Hallie Grimes, a Land O' Lakes High School runner @hallie_grimes tweeted: "Running for John Benedetto today. Wish you could be here."

Do you have a fond memory of Coach Benedetto? Tell us in the comments.