Former East Allegheny football coach plans fundraising dinner for grad needing kidney transplant

By: Chris Harlan
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 10:02 PM

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Dom Pecora knows football, but the former East Allegheny coach also has a knack for food as a restaurateur.

After learning that one of his former players needs a kidney transplant, Pecora decided to put his cooking skills to work to raise money. Pecora is hosting a pasta dinner April 26 at the Manchester Room in Trafford with proceeds benefiting Tyrese Sherrill-Coulverson, a 2017 East Allegheny graduate.

The event is 5-11 p.m. Pecora said the dinner includes meatballs and multiple sauces. Tickets are $20 at the door.

“Whatever money we raise will help him and his wife and his kid,” Pecora said. “But it isn’t just about the money. It’s about him knowing he is important and there are people supporting his struggle.”

He also hoped the event could raise awareness that a kidney donor is needed.

Sherrill-Coulverson, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, was studying to become a veterinarian. Pecora said the 26-year-old was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2023 and needs dialysis while waiting for a transplant.

A former offensive lineman, Sherrill-Coulverson was a four-year letterman for the Wildcats. Pecora said he remembers him as a key contributor in football, but also as a straight-A student who never got into trouble.

“He was special to me in that regard,” Pecora said.

Sherrill-Coulverson also arrived at a special time. He joined the football team as a freshman in Pecora’s first season as coach.

“He ended up starting because our center got hurt,” Pecora said. “He never came out of the lineup for the next four years.”

Pecora, who owns Dom’s Pizzeria in Trafford, resigned as East Allegheny’s coach after the 2023 season. He served as an assistant coach on Penn-Trafford’s staff last fall.

A GoFundMe campaign for Sherrill-Coulverson has raised $13,000. Pecora said he hopes the dinner will bring in some more. The event also includes games, silent auctions, raffles and other activities.

“The food will be really good,” Pecora said. “And you couldn’t get a nicer kid in the world.”

Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.

Tags: East Allegheny