Originally from Massillon, Joseph DeMando played for Paul Brown at Massillon High School. He then came to Baldwin-Wallace, where he was a defensive tackle and a place kicker. A three-year starter (1946-1948), he was elected team captain in 1948. He played both offense and defense and made the “All Big Four” All-Star team in each of the three years he played. He also was selected to the All-Ohio First team as a tackle in 1947. This was an outstanding achievement because the team was selected from every college in Ohio except Ohio State. He also earned honorable mention as a Little All-American in 1948.
After graduating from B-W, Joe played professional football for the Detroit Lions in 1949. He also coached football and he earned a Silver Star for military service. He worked in construction and contract for R.S. Ursprung Construction Co. and retired as a construction foreman. Joe passed away in 2004.