Terre Haute, Indiana - TERRE HAUTE - Rene Anthony Foli, lovingly known as "Coach," passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on June 5, 1945, Rene lived a life rooted in faith, family, education, and an unwavering passion for coaching and mentoring young men.

Rene lived in Knox, Clinton, Sullivan, Terre Haute, and Ambridge throughout his life, leaving a lasting impact in every community he called home.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Jo Ann Hipkiss Foli; and his parents, Louis A. Foli and Anna Inez Foli.

Rene is survived by his sons, Kyle D. Foli and wife Crysti Foli, Douglas A. Foli, and cherished family friend Angela Foli; his granddaughters, Kyndall A. Foli and Adisun M. Foli; and 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 graduate of Schulte High School and Indiana State University, where he earned a Master's Degree in Mathematics, Rene dedicated 63 years to teaching and coaching football. His career included coaching positions 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.

Coach Foli believed football was about more than wins and losses. He often said his goal was "to turn young men into men." Known for always being the first to arrive and the last to leave, he touched countless lives as a mentor, teacher, and father figure.

Beyond football, Rene loved flying his 1976 Grumman American aircraft, was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, played drums for "Morning Missed" for 21 years, and built three homes with his own hands. He was a faithful member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Samaritan Funeral Home, with a Funeral Mass immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow 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.

Coach Foli's legacy will live on through the countless lives he inspired, both on and off the field. Gold Pride Forever!

www.samaritanfunerals.com