Don Nicholas Wattigny

Don Nicholas Wattigny (Coach) lifelong resident of the Westbank, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, June 07, 2020 in Harvey, LA. He was born on March 6, 1939 in New Orleans, LA to the late Clifton Nicholas Wattigny and Alice Huff Wattigny. Son-in-law of the late Forest Fernandez, Jr. and Willmer Burke Fernandez. Don was the beloved husband of 59 years to Edith Fernandez Wattigny. He was the loving father of Janell Wattigny Peirce (Jason); Shanon Wattigny; and Beth Wattigny Richard (Dennis, Jr.). Don was the proud grandfather of Dylan Richard, Alexis Richard, Karli Muhleisen, Matthew Muhleisen, Molly Richard and Mia Muhleisen. He is also survived by his sister(s) Mary Wattigny McGovern (late John); Shirley Huff Grundmeyer (late Arthur) and sister-in-law Antoinette Sawyer Wattigny (late Clifton). He is preceded in death by his brother Clifton T. Wattigny, sister Evelyn Huff Warnken (Calvin), brother Clifton “Bubby” Huff. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow educators, coaches, players and students. Coach was born and raised on the Algiers river batture. He graduated from Holy Name of Mary High School in Algiers where he was a member of the state championship high school football team. He continued his football career at Tulane and later transferred to Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and was the football captain quarterback. He also received a Master’s Degree from Nicholls State University. Coach Watt was a longtime coach and educator at both Edna Karr Jr/High Schools and De La Salle High School. He was inducted to De La Salle’s Hall of Fame and was recipient of the Touchdown Club of New Orleans Prep Award. Also, for several years, he was a proud coach of a girl’s track team, The Crescent City Striders and the Harvey Oilers Track Team. Additionally, Coach was a board and charter member of the Westbank Quarterback Club, the 69er’s Social Club and Theta Chapter of the Golden Ages. For the past 14 years, you could always find Coach Wattigny at Twin Tire & Auto Care where he was currently employed. Despite all of the victories, personal accolades and awards, he was proudest of his grandchildren and the fact of making a positive and major impact in the lives of many players and students. Molding athletes was important, but nurturing productive citizens was always his priority. He cherished boiling seafood, camping, traveling, Sunday brunches, but his family above all things. He will always be - Second to None! Coach Wattigny was a philanthropist. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Edna Karr High School Football Program, Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church, Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church, Kid’s Wish, and/or Boy’s Town in honor of Coach Don Wattigny are appreciated.
Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Visitation at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA on Friday, June 12, 2020 from 6 PM until 10 PM. Visitation will resume Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church, Harvey, LA from 9 AM until Funeral Mass time at 11 AM. Interment will be private. Prior to mass, Words of Remembrance will be shared at church at 10:30 AM. Guests should wear masks and keep condolences brief due to the current pandemic conditions. To view and sign the online guestbook visit www.mothefunerals.com