Letter to the editor: Plum loses a true legend
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On Sunday, May 2, Plum Borough lost Coach Lou DeFabio and God gained a legend. Coach Lou, known to hundreds of Plum youth/families, was the epitome of “the man, the myth, the legend.”
The man loved his beloved Maureen, inspired his sons Louis and Anthony, and shared himself with an open heart. The myth, social phenomenon, was how much of himself he gave to others; never asking for anything in return; except commitment to the goal. The legend, where do I start?
Coach Lou was the first coach to take a team to Cooperstown Dreamspark. They were the best Cooperstown team ever and made it to the quarterfinals in 2001. Along with them, he took a novice umpire that bought into the DREAM of the Dreamspark because of Lou’s loyalty, support and mentorship. Lou asked me to be Plum’s umpire, and 20 years and 25 trips later, I am known as “Plum’s Cooperstown umpire” all because of him.
I would never be the man I am today had I not met the DeFabio family and especially Lou. I taught both boys, exceptional young men, befriended his beloved Maureen and admired and respected “Coach.” He enlightened me with determination, commitment, faith and a love for his players that parallels none.
God gained an angel, and Plum Borough lost a man, a myth and a legend. Rest in peace Coach Lou. You leave behind hundreds of disciples that mirror your expectations and will pass them down to the next generation.
Ron Sakolsky
Plum