Coach Altobelli was the ‘best little brother anybody could ever ask for,’ his sister says

John Altobelli’s sister Sissy Oberlin poses for a picture after Tuesday’s ceremony. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

John Altobelli’s sister Sissy Oberlin was always very proud of her brother and Tuesday afternoon, she got to hear first hand how important he, his wife and youngest daughter were to so many and how loved they were.

Oberlin was seated in one of the front rows behind home plate for the ceremony honoring her brother John, the popular Orange Coast College baseball coach who died Sunday in a helicopter crash along with eight others. His wife Keri and youngest daughter Alyssa were also killed.

“He was the best little brother anybody could ask for,” Oberlin said in an interview after the ceremony. “He was very generous, always put himself last, always thought of all us first. He used to come out to the field and text me, ‘I’m out at the field, come out and give me a hug.’ I would go out and say hi to him. He was just a really great guy and a good brother, he’s going to be sorely missed.”

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The Altobelli family consisted of four girls and three boys before John Altobelli’s death.

Sissy Oberlin said she was pleased with how the ceremony, which drew a capacity crowd went off.

“For short notice, it turned out really beautiful,” she said.

Oberlin said she is also getting plenty support. She works as the athletic secreatary at Beckman High.

“Tustin Unified has been wonderful,” she said. “Donnie Rafter (the principal) has been wonderful giving me the time off I need. (Baseball coach Kevin) Lavalle made a little Twitter remark. It was very nice. You never know how much you’re loved until a tragedy happens. It hits people hard.”

There was also praise for Altobelli’s wife, Keri and youngest daughter Alyssa, who all had a special bond with Altobelli.

“It’s just tragic. Keri did everything with John, they were always holding hands. I’m sure when the helicopter went down the three were in a giant hug together and the Angels took them away,” Oberlin said.

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-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com