Joe Segreti, Pinkerton star, remembered for legacy and community impact

Joe Segreti, a former star running back at Pinkerton Academy and the College of the Holy Cross, died on September 3 in New York at the age of 57. The cause of death has not been released.

Segreti grew up in Derry, New Hampshire, where he first dazzled crowds at Pinkerton. He rushed for over 1,500 yards in his senior year and helped the school win a state championship. He earned a scholarship to Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and became a cornerstone of the Crusaders’ offense in the early 1990s. He set a single‑season rushing record that stood for a decade and was named All‑Patriot League twice. Alumni still cite his work ethic and humility as a model for current players.

Holy Cross observed a moment of silence for Segreti before the team’s home loss to Yale on Saturday. “There wasn’t anybody who didn’t like Joe,” said head coach Peter Stark, who coached the Crusaders from 2015 to 2022. Former teammates described him as “the glue that held the locker room together” and praised his mentorship of younger players. Derry’s mayor, Sarah Miller, posted on social media that the town would honor Segreti with a memorial plaque at Pinkerton’s football field.

Family members said a private funeral will be held next week in New York, followed by a public memorial service at Holy Cross’s Fitton Field. The school announced plans to establish a scholarship in Segreti’s name for student‑athletes who demonstrate both on‑field excellence and community service. The tribute underscores how his impact extended beyond the gridiron, shaping a generation of players and fans alike.