News Summary
The New Orleans community is grieving the loss of Don, affectionately known as ‘Coach,’ who dedicated his life to mentoring youth and fostering community connections. Remembered for his passion for sports and music, Don instilled essential life lessons in countless young men. His legacy includes a strong family bond with his wife Cathy and children, as well as a significant involvement in the shrimp industry. A memorial service will honor his life and contributions to the community, showcasing the profound impact he had on those around him.
New Orleans is in mourning following the passing of Don, affectionately known as “Coach,” a beloved mentor and family man who dedicated his life to nurturing the youth and community around him. Don, who was born on May 15, 1952, was a fixture in the community, remembered not only for his contributions to sports but for the enduring relationships he built throughout his lifetime.
Don attended Holy Cross High School, where he developed a fondness for music, playing trombone in both the marching and stage bands. His passion for music stayed with him, as he often enjoyed playing along to Chicago songs during weekends, sharing this love with his children. Following high school, he attended William Carey University, where he established a strong work ethic that would define his future endeavors.
Throughout his life, Don was devoted to coaching football, where he earned the affectionate title of “Coach.” His commitment extended beyond just teaching the sport; he was known for instilling crucial lessons of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and respect in the countless young men he mentored. Following his passing, an overwhelming outpouring of love and appreciation came forth from his football family, demonstrating the profound impact he had on their lives.
In addition to his dedication to coaching, Don had a passionate connection to the shrimp industry, which helped him stay closely aligned with his community and roots. His work in this field highlighted his devotion to the people and culture of New Orleans.
Don’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. He met his wife Cathy during high school at the age of 16, and they built a life filled with devotion and laughter over their 52 years of marriage. Family was at the center of Don’s existence, and he considered it his proudest accomplishment. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, three children—Bryan, Jeffrey, and Kelly—and several grandchildren: Kaitlynn, Brandon, Finlee, Nina, and Felix. Don cherished the title of “Pawpaw,” reflecting his close bond with his grandchildren and finding great joy in being actively involved in their lives.
Don’s legacy is multifaceted, characterized by the love he exhibited towards his family, the teams he coached, the music he cherished, and his contributions to the seafood industry. His service to the community will be remembered long after his passing, as the values he instilled in others continue to resonate.
A memorial service for Don is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Lake Lawn Funeral Home in New Orleans. The service will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a blessing at 1 p.m. Friends, family, and former players are invited to gather to share stories and honor the memory of a man whose life was marked by his deep commitment to others and the lessons he imparted to all he encountered.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Best of New Orleans Issue Celebrated Amid Rising Concerns
Charles Irvin Shines in High School Football Matchup
Decline of Local Journalism in New Orleans Alarms Community
New Orleans Faces Uncertain Season with Rattler as Starting Quarterback
New Orleans Saints Finalize 53-Man Roster for NFL Season
Denver Broncos Perfect in Preseason with 3-0 Record
Taysom Hill Remains on PUP List as Season Approaches
Rams and Saints Joint Practice Highlights Strengths and Struggles
Chargers Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Regular Season
Saints Prepare for Roster Changes Ahead of NFL Season
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Don Schwab Obituary
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara News
- Google Search: Don Schwab
- Penn Live: Tulane Coach Calls Out Big Ten
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- High School Football America: Don Shula Award Nominees
- Google News: New Orleans Football News
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
