Rene Anthony Foli, lovingly known to generations as “Coach,” passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on June 5, 1945, Rene lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and an unwavering dedication to shaping the lives of young men through education and football.

Rene called many Indiana communities home throughout his life, including Knox, Clinton, Sullivan, and Terre Haute, while also spending time in Ambridge, PA. No matter where he lived, his impact on those around him was lasting and profound.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Jo Ann Hipkiss Foli, his devoted wife of 46 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Louis A. Foli and Anna Inez Foli.

Rene leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his sons, Kyle D. Foli and wife Crysti Foli, Douglas A. Foli, and cherished family friend Angela Foli; his beloved granddaughters, Kyndall A. Foli and Adisun M. Foli; his siblings Rita Williams and husband Bill Williams, Richard A. Foli and wife Joanne Foli, and Robert A. Foli and wife Karen Foli; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A proud graduate of Schulte High School, Rene continued his education at Indiana State University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. Education became one of his life’s callings, but football became his ministry.

For 63 remarkable years, Coach Foli dedicated himself to teaching, mentoring, and coaching athletes across Indiana. His coaching career included time at Knox High School, Terre Haute North Vigo High School, Clinton High School, Sullivan High School, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and South Vermillion High School, where he retired in 2006. Though his teams won games, Coach Foli believed his true purpose was far greater. He often said he wanted “to turn young men into men,” and countless former players credit him for helping shape their lives both on and off the field.

Known for being the first to arrive and the last to leave, Rene poured his whole heart into every role he held. His love for football was matched only by the love he showed the people around him. To many, he was more than a coach — he was a mentor, role model, and father figure.

Outside of football, Rene embraced life with enthusiasm and passion. He loved aviation and proudly flew his 1976 Grumman American aircraft, taking to the skies as recently as 30 days before his passing. He was also a dedicated member of the Civil Air Patrol. Music brought him joy as well, and he played drums for “Morning Missed” for 21 years. A gifted builder, Rene also built three homes with his own hands — a reflection of the work ethic, determination, and craftsmanship that defined his life.

Rene was a faithful Catholic and attended St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Samaritan Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held directly after at Roselawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rene & Jo Ann Foli High School All Stars Players of the Game Fund, honoring Rene’s lifelong commitment to student athletes and the game he loved so dearly.

Coach Foli’s legacy will live on in every player he mentored, every student he inspired, every friend he encouraged, and every family member he loved. His whistle may be silent, but the lessons he taught and the lives he changed will echo for generations to come.