Donald L. Scholla, Jr

Olean- Donald L. Scholla, Jr. 

Donald Lyon Scholla, Jr., 68, of Olean, passed away suddenly at Olean General Hospital on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Don was born on August 10,1956 in Warsaw, NY, the son of the late Donald and Elaine Scholla. He was a son of the Village of Angelica, growing up one of seven children on West Main Street, and graduating from Angelica Central School in 1974. The point guard for the 1974 Section V Basketball Champions, a team that recently reunited for a 50th Anniversary celebration. He was influenced by this team’s success, as it set forth the path for his future in athletics and coaching. He wanted to recreate this feeling of accomplishment and pride in hard work for future student-athletes.

He received an Associates Degree from Genesee Community College in 1976. In 1978 he graduated from the State University of New York, College at Cortland with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. Don received his Masters Degree from Alfred University in 1985 in the field of Education and Coaching. In addition, he earned his School Administrator Certificate in 1999 from St. Bonaventure University. Don received his Certified Athletic Administrator status in 2000.

He started his career in education in 1980 at Rushford Central School, teaching Physical Education in grades K-12. After short stints in the Letchworth Central and Elba Central School Districts, he arrived in Olean, NY in 1988 to begin his career as a Physical Education instructor with the Olean City School District. Don would eventually take on the role of Director of Athletics in 1990 until his retirement in 2013, establishing a culture of sportsmanship, ethics, and Huskie pride.

While at Rushford Central, Don met history teacher, Janine Bender, who would become his wife and best friend of 41 years beginning on August 19, 1983. Together they built a life they loved, blessed with two children, Molly (1986) and Patrick (1995). The family expanded in 2016 with Molly’s marriage to Jeff McMahon and then again in 2024 with Patrick’s marriage to Gabrielle Abraham. With the birth of his granddaughters, Madigan (2018) and Quincy (2021), he became “Poppy” and his blessings were multiplied beyond measure. 

Don’s coaching career spanned from 1974 to 2013 at every level. At Rushford Central he was the Boys Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball Coach. He began the OHS Boys Varsity Soccer Program when he arrived in 1988, and remained the coach for 10 years, earning a Section VI Class B2 Title. Don was an Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Houghton College for five years and an assistant coach at Pitt-Bradford for one year. Between 2002-2005 Don lead the Varsity Girls Soccer Program at OHS. He served as an Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball coach under Martha Altmire, taking over the head coaching job in 2006 until his retirement in 2013. Building upon the “Honor and Tradition” present in OHS athletics, his teams amassed 6 CCAA Division 1 Titles, 5 Section VI Class B Titles, and 1 NYSPHSAA Regional Title. 

The recipient of numerous local, county, and state service awards such as NYSAAA Chapter VI Distinguished Service Award (2023), CCAA Distinguished Service Award (2013), City of Olean Service to Youth Award (2002), IAABO Cattaraugus County Basketball Officials Service Award (2000). He was named NYSAAA Athletic Administrator of the Year Chapter 6 in 2002. Don is a member of 5 Athletic Hall of Fames: 2008 Allegany County, 2010 Genesee Valley (Angelica), 2013 Cattaraugus County, 2024 Olean High School, and 2024 NYSPHAA Section VI Hall of Fame. 

In 2009 he was selected as Olean Times Herald “Big 30” Coach of the Year and the BCANY Section VI Class B “Coach of the Year.” His desire to give a voice to the Southern Tier led him to serve on the NYSPHSAA Committee as the Section VI Boys Rep from 2003-2013. For 27 years he served as a member of the Section VI Girls Basketball Committee and was the Program Chair. 

Don was a 27-year member of the City of Olean Division of Youth and Recreation Services Advisory Board. He reestablished the Olean Sports Boosters Club in 1990 and continued to serve on its Board of Directors.

He appreciated the opportunity to become the color commentator for St. Bonaventure Men’s Basketball games in 2011…”having the best seat in the house.” From 2014-2023 he enjoyed his role as Treasurer and Executive Committee Member of Section IV, NYSPHSAA, expanding his professional and personal friendships throughout Western New York and the state. 

An unspoken purpose that is reflected in Don’s life is one of selfless service and commitment to the task at hand, the person before him, and service to the community around him. A person whose faith was obvious by the way he walked humbly, and always “helped the next one in line.” A legacy that was built in the classroom, on the court and on the field, but also through simple words, small gestures, and fine details. A life of unparalleled goodness that we are all the beneficiaries of…

“Remember this your lifetime through, tomorrow there will be more to do, and failure waits for those who stay, with some success made yesterday. Tomorrow you must try once more, and even harder than before.” -John Wooden

Survived by his wife, Janine M. Scholla, children Molly O. (Jeff) McMahon of Portville, Patrick D. (Gabrielle) Scholla of Rocky River, OH; Seven Siblings, Shawn L. Scholla, Pam R. (Bob) Sandlas, Jim O. (Mary) Scholla of Angelica, Chris W. (Robin) Scholla of Wolcott, Sheri L. (Rich) Reynolds of Paris, TN and Doug M. Scholla of Scio, Sister-in-Law, Jodell M. Bender, South Euclid, OH, Brother-in-Law, Gregory D. (Dawn) Bender, Frewsburg, NY. Granddaughters, Madigan O. McMahon, Quincy R. McMahon. A beloved and respected uncle to many nieces and nephews he cherished. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2nd 1pm-4pm at Letro-McIntosh Spink Funeral Home, 646 East State Street, Olean, NY. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, February 3rd 11am at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, 931 North Union Street, Olean, NY 14760, where he was a lector for many years. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Olean Sports Boosters c/o OHS Athletic Office, 410 West Sullivan Street, Olean, NY 14760 or Olean Schools Foundation, c/o Dave Lasky, Olean High School 410 West Sullivan Street, Olean, NY 14760.