Donald J. Schava

Donald Jerome Schava, age 90, passed away on February 15, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. He is preceded by his wife Joan Wilson Schava, mother Pauline Addie Albrecht (Lyon), and father Oakley H Schava.

He is survived by his step daughters Judy (Gary) Shue, Julie (Rick) Bierley, Joanne (Gary) Lash, Jenny Gilmore, his sister Judy Myers and nephew. He is also survived by eight step grandchildren, and nine step great grandchildren.

Donald served in the Air Force branch of the military for four years. He was a graduate of Arizona State and was a junior high school teacher and girls' basketball coach in Fontana California from 1962 until his retirement. Donald loved to travel all over the world and met Joan on one of his trips to England. Donald and Joan tried to take yearly trips to many locations around the world and shared those adventures with family through pictures. He was born in Portland, Oregon and was a huge Oregon Ducks fan. Donald relocated to California from Portland where he had many friends during his teaching and coaching years. Donald received many awards for coaching basketball. He had a passion for mathematics, geography, and history. Donald attended Vinyard Church in Grove City Ohio after marrying Joan and relocating to Columbus, Ohio.
He loved his dog Zack and all his prior Schnauzers: Elsa, Ziggy, Elkie, and Lexie. Donald will be missed and is now resting with his parents, wife, and dogs.

Visitation will be held from 1-2pm, Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH, where a funeral service will begin at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation Ohio, 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive #360, Columbus, OH 43231.

To watch Donald's funeral service via livestream click here.