Joao Ribeiro

João is survived by Michele, the love of his life and wife for 37 years; son Daniel, Head Coach of the Men's Gymnastics Team at University of Illinois; and daughter, Alexandra Rebeca "Bec", Head Coach of the USAG Girls Program at US Gym Mahwah. He will be lovingly remembered by his adoring siblings, Alaor, Eilva, Hermelino, Juca, Diva, Cida and Maria Regina; his in-laws; Helen and Michael Cooperman, brother-in-law, Steven (Johanna) Cooperman and his loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Alzira Lucio and José Geni Ribeiro as well as his sister, Carmen.

João's entire life was dedicated to his beloved family and the wonderful sport of gymnastics. He was born in 1959 in São Joaquim, Santa Catarina, Brazil and fell in love with gymnastics at a young age. He represented Brazil in five World Championships, helped his team to earn the Bronze Medal in the 1979 Pan American Games, and was the first Brazilian Gymnast to compete in the Olympics at the 1980 Olympic Games.

Following the Olympics, João accepted a scholarship to Indiana State University. The summer before school started, while still learning English, he tagged along with a friend who was working at International Gymnastics Camp. Michele was working at the same camp; they met, fell in love and were married after college. João had a successful collegiate career, competing first at Indiana State University for one year, and then transferring to East Stroudsburg University where he was National Champion on Parallel-Bars, High Bar and All-Around in 1984.

Michele and João opened their first gym in 1988 in Englewood, NJ, which later relocated to Leonia, NJ and opened their second gym in Mahwah, NJ in 1992. João was the Head Coach of the Girls Program for over twenty years. He coached his gymnasts to dozens of State, Regional and National titles as well as full athletic scholarships to Division I Schools all over the country. His cherished gymnasts will remember him for their charm bracelets, gummy bears and Dairy Queen visits.

Outside of gymnastics, João loved his dogs, music and enjoying spending time with friends and family. He was always the life of the party. Throughout his courageous battle with cancer over the last two and a half years, he always had a smile on his face. He went to every appointment, every treatment with the famous positive attitude that he was known for.

João touched the hearts of so many athletes, colleagues and friends throughout his life and inspired us to always follow our dreams. His dedication and passion for the sport of gymnastics will live on among all of us who have been lucky enough to have been in his presence.

We will forever miss our fearless leader João, and will spend our days smiling just like him, knowing his legacy will always live on.

A funeral service for João will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors, 402 Park Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Interment will follow immediately after the service on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Cedar Park and Beth El Cemetery, 735 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.guttermanandmusicant.com for the Ribeiro family.

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