The social media tributes and messages poured in on Friday, as the community remembered longtime St. Joseph High boys' basketball coach Vito Montelli.

Connecticut's all-time leader in coaching victories, Montelli amassed 878 wins and 11 state championships in his 50 years coaching the Cadets.

"You just don't give up what's been your life. It's been my whole life: the school, the team, the kids," Montelli told News 12 Connecticut back in 2012 when he officially announced his retirement.

While his impact on high school sports cannot be understated, former players say Montelli was like a father figure to so many.

Former St. Joseph High School Athletic Director Jim Olayos says Montelli was always there for his former players, even after they had graduated. 

"His credo was 'God, family, basketball,' and the fact that today he's on the express train to God and had his family around him and his extended family of basketball people - players, etc. Just thinking about him and having him in their hearts ... he'd want to be remembered the way he was remembered," says Olayos.

Montelli was 92 years old.