Joseph Salvatore Tofflemire, 46

Joseph Salvatore Tofflemire was born July 7, 1965, in Torrance, Calif., and passed away Sept. 27, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene.

Joe spent his childhood in Post Falls, raised alongside eight siblings by his parents, John and Anna. In addition to being a talented, well-rounded athlete, Joe was also a loving father, brother, son and uncle.

In 1984, he graduated from Post Falls High School, where he not only served as a three-year letterman in football, but was also a versatile enough athlete to letter three times in track and field. Joe was selected to multiple All-State football teams, and was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year after his senior season in 1983. Of course, this would prove to be just the beginning of Joe's illustrious football career.

At the University of Arizona, Joe started four years at center, and was named to the All Pac-10 Conference team three of those years. He was also an All-American his junior and senior years. The winner of the Morris Trophy his final season, Joe was widely considered the most outstanding offensive lineman in the Pac-10. He was also named captain of the team and MVP his senior season.

Since graduating from Arizona, Joe has been named to the Pac-10 conference "All '80s Team," and has been elected to the university's Sports Hall of Fame. In 1997, he was named to the Wildcat Stadium Ring of Honor. In 2000, he was named one of the top 100 athletes to attend the University of Arizona, and was also named to the All-Century team in addition to the Arizona All-Time, All Pac-10 First Team.

After college, Joe's dream of playing professional football was realized when he was selected in the second round as the 44th player of the 1989 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He would serve seven years at center before retiring in 1995.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Michael Anthony (Issaquah, Wash.) and John Joseph (Vancouver, B.C.); eight siblings, John, Anna Marie, David, Susan, Caroline, Paul, Mary and Christine; and his loving mother, Anna.

For all his achievements in sports, Joe will also be remembered as a kind, warm, humble, generous and loving person with a wonderful sense of humor as well as a gift for storytelling. Although his time was cut short, he lived an enriched life that most people could only dream about, and made an indelible impression on family, friends, fans, coaches and former teammates who will all miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Post Falls Senior Center at P.O. Box 418, Post Falls, ID 83877.

Rosary was held Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, Post Falls. Graveside service will be held at noon Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, at Evergreen Cemetery. Potluck to follow at the Senior Center in Post Falls at 2 p.m.

Please visit Joseph's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.