Donald Joseph Fugel

Dedicated Educator, Coach, Mentor, Husband, Father, Caregiver, are some of the roles that Donald J. Fugel fulfilled during his lifetime. Don was born on March 12, 1937, in Washington, D.C. He was the son of Edwin L. Fugel and Margaret Riston. He is predeceased by his first wife Lola Jean Russell, daughter Debbie, and his brothers Edwin and Robert A. Fugel. He is survived by his wife, Margo Bothwell; daughter Kim Fugel; stepdaughter Christa Wood; grandchildren Jeremy and Christie Griffith; A.J. Jones; Max, Mason, and Charlotte Wood; and his sister Barbara Byorick.

As an educator for 38 years, he helped develop the characters of countless young men. He earned his undergraduate degree from D.C. Teachers College and then earned his Master’s degree from George Washington University. Coach Fugel, or just “Coach,” as his students called him, taught Health and Physical Education during his professional career. He was involved as a mentor and coach at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels.

The most significant contribution Coach made to these students was building their confidence and desire to pursue higher education. For most, if not all, of these students college was not an option available to them. Weekends, school breaks, and holidays, Coach loaded students into his car for visits to potential colleges and, for their first time, to tournaments out of town.

At Woodrow Wilson High School, Coach Fugel took over a basketball team with the longest losing streak in the history of the game. In just a matter of weeks, under Coach’s direction, they started winning, went on to win the Inter-High West Championship, and then went on to play the nation’s number one ranked high school team. Though they lost to the undefeated Eastern High School Ramblers, Coach continued to guide his students to many victories on the court as well as many personal, moral, and life affirming victories.

Coach Fugel mentored some of the best basketball players, including Harvard graduate James Brown, Academic All-American Kermit Washington, and NBA Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley. In the words of Adrian Dantley, “Coach Fugel was not just my coach and teacher, he was a great mentor. He taught me about following directions and about working hard to become a success. Coach showed me how to live life.”

Coach Fugel enjoyed retirement, tending his garden, reading the sports page or watching a ball game. Once or twice a year he got together with a group of former students. They would come by the house to pick him up to take him to a ball game or out to eat. They would talk about the past and how far they have come. They appreciated his encouragement and care. Coach loved these students, and they loved him right back.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 15 from 6-8 pm at Lyons Park Community Center, 414 North Filmore Street, Arlington, Virginia.