Manchester, NH-A heavy silence has fallen over Manchester as the community grapples with the sudden passing of Donald J.T. Tibbetts — known to generations simply as “Coach T” or “Don.” A larger-than-life presence in school gyms, youth sports fields, and countless hearts, Don Tibbetts died unexpectedly this week, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of love, laughter, and leadership.
Don’s name has long been synonymous with Manchester athletics and education. For decades, he inspired students not only to move, compete, and play — but to believe in themselves. His booming voice, boundless enthusiasm, and signature shout of “YAHOO!” became familiar echoes in local school halls, serving as both a rally cry and a symbol of his enduring joy.
“A Hometown Hero”
To call Don a gym coach would be to underestimate his reach. He was a mentor, motivator, and life coach to thousands. From the moment he stepped into a gymnasium, he brought with him a spirit that was equal parts energy and empathy. Kids who didn’t love sports learned to love movement because of him. Shy students found courage under his watchful and encouraging eye.
“He was the kind of teacher who changed lives,” said one former student. “He didn’t just teach you how to run or catch or throw — he taught you how to show up, how to cheer others on, how to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
A Family Rooted in Service
The Tibbetts name has long been a foundation in Manchester’s educational and athletic circles. Don followed in the footsteps of his father and brother — both beloved figures in their own right — and carried their legacy forward with integrity, heart, and humor.
He coached and taught for decades, weaving himself into the very fabric of the city. Even in retirement, Don remained a fixture at local games and community events, always smiling, always cheering, always ready with a high-five or a word of encouragement.
“Loved by a Bizillion People”
Nine years ago, a tribute video created for Don’s retirement captured the very essence of who he was — joyful, passionate, and deeply committed to others. That video has resurfaced in recent days, touching off a wave of emotion online and throughout the city. Former students, colleagues, and community members have flooded social media with memories and tributes, remembering Don not only as a coach, but as a constant, dependable force in their lives.
“He made every kid feel like they mattered,” one colleague shared. “And that’s a gift not every teacher has. But Don did — effortlessly.”
A Legacy Etched in Hearts
While the cause of Don Tibbetts’ death has not been publicly confirmed, the depth of grief in Manchester is unmistakable. His absence leaves an irreplaceable hole — not just in schools or gyms, but in the spirit of the city itself.
Plans for a public celebration of Don’s life are underway and will be shared with the community in the coming days. The event is expected to bring together people from every corner of the city — a testament to the reach of one man who made it his mission to lift others up.
Rest in Power, Coach T
Don Tibbetts is survived by his loving family, who have asked that his memory be honored through acts of kindness, community involvement, and the same wholehearted enthusiasm that he brought to every day.
In classrooms, on ballfields, in the stands, and in the stories we tell, Coach T’s spirit lives on. His was a life full of “Yahoo!” moments — and Manchester will never stop echoing them.
Rest in peace, Coach T. You taught us more than we ever knew. We’ll carry you with us — always running, always cheering, always YAHOO-ing.
