Louis A. “Lou” DiSorbo, a respected former athlete, longtime educator, and beloved coach from Allegany, New York, has died at the age of 88. He passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo following a recent hospital admission.
His passing marks the loss of a dedicated educator and sports figure whose influence extended across generations of students and athletes in the Olean and Allegany communities.
Early Life and Basketball Career
Born on June 21, 1938, in Olean, New York, Lou was the son of Joseph and Kathryn Geohagen DiSorbo. He graduated from Olean High School in 1956, where he participated in several sports and earned athletic letters.
He continued his education at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1965. During his college years, he played basketball and later assisted the coaching staff during his junior and senior years.
Lou achieved an extraordinary milestone during his time at the university. He still holds the Lock Haven University record for the most points scored in a single basketball game, with an impressive 51 points.
Following his undergraduate education, he earned a master’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University, preparing for a career that would combine his passion for teaching and athletics.
A Dedicated Teacher and Coach
Lou began his teaching career at School 5 in Olean, where he worked for three years before moving to Portville. There, he taught and coached junior high basketball and varsity baseball for one year.
He eventually joined Allegany Central School, where he taught fifth grade until retiring in 1993. Throughout his career, he also served as interim principal, director of special education, and coach.
His commitment to students remained one of the defining parts of his life. Lou frequently expressed how much he enjoyed working with children, once saying that he would choose the same career if given another opportunity.
His contributions earned him numerous awards in education and coaching. He was inducted into the Cattaraugus County Sports Hall of Fame and received recognition on the Olean High School Athletic Wall of Fame and the Allegany-Limestone Wall of Fame.
After retirement, he continued serving education through the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where he worked for 10 years as an advisor to the president and assisted with fundraising.
Family and Funeral Arrangements
Lou married Rose Marie Laskey on August 21, 1965, at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany. She survives him.
He is also survived by his brother, James DiSorbo, and sisters Barbara Harden and Julie Irving, along with many nieces and nephews.
Lou and Rose Marie enjoyed traveling, playing golf, attending Buffalo Bills games, and supporting St. Bonaventure basketball. From 2006 through 2025, they also enjoyed spending time at their residence on Cuba Lake.
Private funeral services are being held at Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home in Olean. Burial will take place at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
In his memory, the family has established the Coach Lou DiSorbo Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.
As friends, former students, and colleagues remember Lou, his legacy will remain connected to the countless lives he influenced through education, coaching, and friendship.
