Donald L. Blaha

Don Blaha, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, December 6, 2025, following a long battle with several illnesses.

Don was born June 3, 1941 in Schenectady, NY, the son of Lewis Blaha and Henrietta (Daszewski) Blaha. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was predeceased by his brother Robert Blaha, sister-in-law Trudy Barey Blaha, cousin Carole A. (Daszewski) Jacquay and several aunts and uncles.

Don was a 1959 graduate of Mont Pleasant High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from New York University in 1963. He also took graduate courses at Union College. He became a mathematics teacher and varsity basketball and baseball coach at Bishop Gibbons High School following his graduation from NYU. Don was born to teach and coach. His profound, positive impact on his students and players provided him with great satisfaction.

In 1967, Don was hired as the first information representative at the NYS Teachers’ Retirement System. Following nearly 30 years of service, he retired in 1996 while holding the position of manager of public information. In addition to his employment at the retirement system, he returned to coach varsity basketball at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School from 1981 to 1988.

Don married the love of his life Diane Negus in 1963. They were the proud parents of their son David (Tammy Sheldon) Blaha of Cary, NC and daughter Debbie (Vinnie) Amico of Ballston Spa, NY. In addition to his wife and children, Don is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Marley Amico, Madison Amico, and Aaron Blaha. He is also survived by nephews Scott Blaha and Gregg Blaha and cousins David (Nancy) Strife and Jeff (Diana) Daszewski.

Don’s greatest love was that of his family. He was blessed to be surrounded by supportive family throughout his lifetime. He was forever grateful to his mother, father and brother for the upbringing, support and love they each provided throughout the years, to Diane for her steadfast love and support during their 62 years of marriage and to his children and grandchildren for the exemplary manner in which they conducted themselves as well as for the heartwarming joy they provided. And he was grateful for DeeDee (their cat) who was always there to lift his spirits and brighten his day.

Don and Diane were not only husband/wife but also each other’s best friend. It was unusual that you would see one without the other. Fate brought them together as their mothers were roommates in the Bellevue Maternity Hospital and Don was born one day before Diane in 1941.

Don’s love for his children and grandchildren was unending. Along with Diane, he was very active in their school lives and extracurricular activities and loved to attend their concerts, plays and sporting events and would often travel long distances to take in these activities. He would cheer and celebrate their accomplishments and would always be there to provide encouragement and support.

Don was a communicant of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish. He was a person of strong faith and gave thanks daily for the many blessings given to him and his family. He felt that all people should be treated with kindness and respect and tried to live life accordingly.

Any account of Don’s life would be incomplete without mention of his athletic achievements. He was proud yet humble about these accomplishments which placed him among some of the best all-around athletes in Schenectady history.

Don earned six varsity letters at Mont Pleasant High School in basketball, baseball and track where in his senior year he was unbeaten and NYS high jump champion. He went on to earn six varsity letters at NYU in basketball and baseball when NYU competed at the Division I level. His NYU basketball teams attained top-10 rankings in the country. He cherished playing home games at Madison Square Garden. NYU reached the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Championship in Don’s junior and senior years thanks in large part to the outstanding play of fellow Schenectady native, All-American Barry Kramer.

In baseball, Don was NYU’s top pitcher for four years and was awarded team and league MVP honors. He also had many successful years while playing in the Schenectady Twilight League and against other semi-pro competition. Don pitched a perfect game and two other no-hit, no-run games during his career.

While coaching at Bishop Gibbons High School, Don’s teams won three Diocesan League Championships in basketball as well as an Eastern NYS Catholic High School Championship. He also served as player/coach for the Wedekind Pros professional basketball team during their highly successful first year in operation. Don gained valuable knowledge and experience working several summers as an instructor at the University of North Carolina basketball camp alongside hall-of-fame coaches Dean Smith, Roy Williams, Larry Brown and Morgan Wooten.

Don’s athletic accomplishments earned him induction into six halls of fame. He learned of his 6th induction just before his death when NYU called to notify him about his nomination to the NYU Athletic Hall of Fame. Don considered this induction one of his biggest accomplishments.

Golf was a big part of Don’s life. He set course records at the Stadium Golf Club and the Willows Country Club (now Mohawk River Country Club & Chateau) where he proudly shot his best round of 7-under par 66. During the winter months, Don and Diane would travel south to various golf destinations with lifelong friends Pat and Ron Sheehan. Myrtle Beach, SC became their favorite destination.

Don was a longtime member of the Schenectady Ole Timers Baseball Club and proudly served as its president for 15 years. He also was a member of the First Friday Club.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00 PM on Monday, December 22, 2025 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, NY 12205. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on December 23, 2025, 9:00am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 2216 Rosa Rd., Schenectady, NY 12309. Interment will follow the mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy Schenectady Rd, Schenectady, NY 12309.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Don’s memory be made in honor of Diane Blaha to Northeast Alzheimer's Association, 1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, NY 12047 or to the Schenectady Ole Timers Baseball Club, 3041 Cox Ave., Schenectady, NY 12306.