M. Joseph “Joe” Sperato Jr., a popular all-around athlete who had been an assistant soccer coach at the Community College of Baltimore County Essex and was an athletics facilities supervisor also enjoyed coaching neighborhood kids in soccer, died in his sleep Monday at his Highlandtown home. He was 62.

“Joe was everyone’s friend,” said the Rev. J. Joseph Hart, an Episcopal priest, who is chaplain and director of Spiritual Support Services at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. “He was the quintessential mayor, legend and best friend to so many in Highlandtown and throughout Baltimore, and that sums up who he is, was, and always will be to us,” said Father Hart, a friend of many years.