David Robert "Coach Dave" McCuller

January 30, 1958 - June 30, 2021

David Robert McCuller “Coach Dave,” passed away on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. He was 63, a native of New Orleans and resident of Jefferson Parish. He graduated from Ridgewood Prep and University of New Orleans and worked in administration with the Kenner Recreation Department for 25 years. Coach Dave wore many hats during his 40-year tenure with St. Matthew the Apostle parish and school including Athletic Director, Coach, Teacher, Youth Minister, Grief Counselor and Bereavement Minister. Additionally, he served as State President and National Board member for Dizzy Dean Baseball (26 years); President of Metro Middle School League of New Orleans (28 years); Chairman of Catholic School League of New Orleans (26 years); and Co-Commissioner of the East Jefferson Catholic Athletic Conference (26 years). He spent 10 years working at Jefferson Parish Recreation Department playgrounds: Jefferson, Metairie, Johnny Bright, Airline Park/Mike Miley, Delta, Cleary, Little Farms, Kings Grant, Bridge City and Avondale. He was a clinician for the National Youth Sports Coaches and Officials Association (7 years); wrote sports columns for the Eastbank Guide, Jefferson Parish Times and Kenner City News (6 years); a basketball and football referee and baseball umpire for many years. And, he was tournament director for 70 plus Dizzy Dean baseball, biddy basketball, national pre-prep basketball, Babe Ruth baseball, district, state, regional, national and international tournaments and world series. Additionally, Coach Dave was also a frequent guest on the Jimmy “J” radio show on WBLK AM. Beloved son of the late Elizabeth Celeste Dunn McCuller and James Robert “Bob” “Red” McCuller and brother of Karen Elizabeth McCuller. Coach Dave was more than a coach, he mentored hundreds of young people along with counseling at risk youth. He is fondly remembered for his dedication to the athletes he coached in cross country, flag football, baseball, basketball, swimming, soccer, bowling, volleyball and tennis. As well as the Youth Group members that he tirelessly gave his time and talents to during meetings, “Lock Ins” and retreats, intramural sports, game nights, awards lunches and Masses. Notably Coach Dave had a special devotion throughout his life to the Teresian Sisters, St. Henry De Osso and St. Theresa of Jesus. A quote he used often and defines his life’s work is from William Wordsworth “The best portion of a man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner on Monday, July 12, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by Funeral Services at 4:00 p.m. Interment in Garden of Memories Cemetery. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com