Obituary of Donald J. "Badtsy" DeBadts
Donald J. "Badtsy" DeBadts, age 84, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. He was born on December 14, 1938 in Sodus, NY, 1 of 3 children born to Jacob and Elizabeth DeBadts. Don was a legend in a class of his own. His early passions in life were anything surrounding the growth and encouragement of youth especially in the Geneseo community. He was a SUNY Cortland College Graduate and began his teaching career in Liberty, NY but soon found his life residence in Geneseo. He spent the next 42 years teaching math and serving as the Athletic Director at Geneseo Central School.
Don believed in serving his community through volunteer work and taught his students to do the same. He was a member of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club where he was awarded the Hixson Award, the highest honor a Kiwanian can receive. He led the Geneseo Sports Boosters for many years. Don was a founding member of the Genesee Valley Credit Union, founded the Geneseo Summer Youth Recreation Program and served as the Director for many years.
Don coached, Baseball, Track, Cross Country, Football and as the Athletic Director he would coach wherever he was needed. His love of wrestling was known to all. Don coached countless students in wrestling and went on to be inducted into the Section V Hall of Fame, New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame as well as the National Hall of Fame in Stillwater, OK. He devoted his heart to anyone that needed it and had great friendships with officials, coaches, teachers, students and parents.
Don resided the last 13 years of his life in Warsaw, NY with his son, Eric and his family. He is survived by his son, Eric (Laura) DeBadts of Warsaw, NY, Brian DeBadts of Ballston Spa NY, grandchildren, RJ Bailey, Connor DeBadts, Jacob DeBadts and Daniel DeBadts. He is also survived by his former wife, Carol Nicot Fuller. Along with this his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Marilyn (Michael) Ortiz and brother, Gerald DeBadts.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November, 19, 2023 from 1-4 PM at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. A Celebration of Don's Life is being planned for the summer of 2024 in Geneseo.
The family requests the courtesy of in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Section V Friends of Wrestling – through venmo - @friendsofwrestling (please note Don DeBadts memorial) or sending a check to Jim Sauberan, 474 West Ave., Brockport, NY 14420-1122 made payable to Section V Friends of Wrestling or to Geneseo Sports Boosters, 4050 Avon Rd. Geneseo, NY 14454.