Frank Edward Dooley, affectionately known as ‘Coach Dooley’ and ‘Pancho’, passed away in Albuquerque on August 2, 2026, while surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, steadfast friend, lifelong athlete, and storied coach and teacher, he leaves a legacy that will live on well past his 93 years.

Frank was born on January 9, 1933, in Deming, New Mexico, to Frank and Evelyn Dooley. He graduated from Deming High School and attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City. It was at Western that Frank met and later married his beloved wife Norma ‘Jean’ Chaudoin. He played football for the Mustangs and was inducted into the Western New Mexico Hall of Fame. After graduating from Western, he served two years in the Army as a Specialist Third Class and received an honorable discharge. Frank also attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned his master’s degree in mathematics.

Frank and Jean raised their four children, Tim, Bryan, Sandy, and Warren, in Deming and made lifelong friendships in their beloved hometown and throughout New Mexico.

Frank was a renowned basketball coach and math teacher, guiding thousands of young people over his 40-year career. He is especially well-known for coaching the Deming Wildcats from 1963-1979, where he led the team to four State Championships. The Deming High School basketball court was officially named “Frank Dooley Court” in 2010, and the new gym was named after him in 2017. Coach Dooley received numerous accolades over the years, including New Mexico Coach of the Year (1971-1972), National Basketball Coach of the Year Southwest Region (1972), New Mexico High School Coaches Hall of Fame (1990), and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2025).

As a math teacher, Frank’s patience, empathy, and intelligence helped students navigate algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and more. He was many students’ favorite teacher.

Throughout his career, Frank and Jean were a team, raising a family and caring for the young people Frank coached and taught. The family made countless

PB&J sack lunches for basketball road trips, enjoyed camping and Gila River trip adventures, and shared innumerable New Mexican meals with close friends.

Frank loved the outdoors, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends. He had strong slices and spins on the tennis court, was a fierce ping pong competitor, and always had a ‘panza llena y corazón contento’ after eating spicy chicken sandwiches paired with mocha frappes – always with an extra chocolate drizzle. Frank credited his success in coaching to the community around him. He was a true leader, building a culture of care, respect, and discipline wherever he went.

Frank faced many challenges in life, on the court, and in the classroom. He always met them head on with a determined spirit, positive attitude, and his signature sense of humor. His wisdom and goodness lives on in everyone who learned from him.

Frank is survived by his son, Tim and his wife Cindy and their daughters, Chantel, Krista, and Tana; his son, Bryan and his wife Holly; his daughter, Sandy and her husband David, along with their children Laura, Melanie, Staci, Chase, Heather, and Aubrey; and his son, Warren and his children Stuart, Andy, and Megan, as well as many great-grandchildren. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, twin brother Oscar, and sister Frances.

A private celebration of life will take place for Frank’s immediate family. The larger community is invited to share memories and stories online and donate in Frank’s memory to the Frank Dooley DHS Scholarship Fund, which was established in 2013 to benefit Deming High School graduating seniors. Donations can be sent to Coach James Williams, C/O Frank Dooley DHS Scholarship Fund, 601 S. Granite St., Deming, NM, 88030.