Donald John Dessauer, a native of Metairie, Louisiana, who served his country in the Navy Reserves, died peacefully at his home on Monday, November 22, 2021 at the age of 72 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Beloved husband of 47 years to Emelda (Mellie) Boudoin. Son of the late Donald Patin Dessauer and Agnes Mae Rice. Loving father of Donnie Dessauer (Megan Shurley), Emmie Dessauer Golemi (Jared Golemi) and Ross Dessauer (Rachel Ramaker). Brother of Michael (Mickey) Dessauer, Dovie Dessauer Scheyd, Stephen (Steve) Dessauer and the late Gerard (Jerry) Dessauer. Also survived by five grandchildren who affectionately called him “BOP”, Gabriel and Julien Dessauer and Emilia, Evie and Luca Golemi.

Don was a retired high school teacher at his beloved Archbishop Rummel High School for 35 years and was a graduate of Rummel High School and LSUNO. He was known to most Raiders as “Coach D” or “ Mr. D.” After leaving Rummel High School, he was a substitute teacher in St. Charles Parish at all levels of education. While at Rummel he was active in the Tennis Club (coach), Junior Achievement (moderator), Key Club, Eucharistic Ministry, Project Raider Hope and after Hurricane Katrina, YRNO (Youth Rebuilding New Orleans). He was also a longtime parishioner of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish.

The Dessauer family would like to thank Ms. Willie Bryant and Don’s Compassus Hospice group (Candice, Carly and Tasha) for all their care and compassion and Pat Sharpe from Compassus for her guidance. Ms. Willie was an angel sent to us and Compassus Hospice helped us through this very tough time.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Friday, November 26, 2021 at Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St. in New Orleans followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM. There will be a private burial in Garden of Memories Cemetery. As Don would pray, “St. John Baptist de La Salle... pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts... forever. Thank God Almighty... I’m a Raider! GOD BLESS!”

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Parkinson’s research (Team Fox Nola); https://fundraise.michaeljfox.org/TeamFoxNOLA/Donate or to Archbishop Rummel High School, 1901 Severn Ave, Metairie, LA  70001.