Who Is Rick Pitino's Wife? All About Joanne Minardi and Her Relationship with the St. John's University Head Coach

"Pitino and Joanne met at St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, N.Y. After they started dating, Pitino became best friends with Joanne's younger brother, Billy. 'You know, I always loved him more, and that's the reason I married you,' he jokingly told the outlet in 2001. To which Joanne said, 'I always knew that.'"

"The couple married in 1976, but their wedding night didn't go as planned. Pitino left Joanne for several hours to speak with Jim Boeheim about a job at Syracuse University - a move that ultimately cost them their planned honeymoon to Hawaii. 'We never had a honeymoon to Hawaii, but we've had quite a few trips after that,' Pitino added."

"After marrying, Pitino and Joanne welcomed six children: Michael, Christopher, Richard, Ryan, Daniel, and Jacqueline. Their family has been a significant part of their lives as they navigated Pitino's coaching career."

Rick Pitino has been married to Joanne Minardi since 1976 after meeting in high school. They have six children: Michael, Christopher, Richard, Ryan, Daniel, and Jacqueline. Pitino, a successful basketball coach with two NCAA championships, faced challenges early in their marriage, including missing their honeymoon for a job opportunity. Despite this, they have enjoyed many trips together over the years. Currently, Pitino is the head coach at St. John's University, preparing for a Sweet 16 matchup against Duke University.

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