What was described as a medical procedure being performed on the father of Mark Dantonio caused the Michigan State head coach to miss a pair of practices last week as he returned to his home state of Ohio. Sadly, Dantonio will be making another trip back to the state to bury the man who raised him.
MSU announced Monday that Justin Dantonio passed away Sunday of unspecified causes. The elder Dantonio was an 86-year-old World War II veteran, husband of 57 years to wife Maryan and father to sons Frank, Mark, John and Mike.
Visiting hours will be in the afternoon and evening Wednesday in Zanesville, Ohio, with the funeral taking place the next day. Dantonio’s expected to be on the sidelines when the Spartans open the 2011 season Friday against Youngstown State.
Our condolences and prayers go out to Dantonio and his entire family on their loss.