Affectionately known as “Coach Mizzy” or “Coach Miz,” Frank Misuraca passed away on December 12. Misuraca, a beloved coach, faculty member, athletic director, and mentor, dedicated more than four decades of his life to shaping young men both on and off the field. His commitment to Jesuit and its mission has left an unmistakable mark on generations of Blue Jays and the entire New Orleans and Louisiana sports community.

Funeral services will take place in Jesuit’s Chapel of the North American Martyrs (4133 Banks Street, New Orleans, LA 70119) on Saturday, December 21 with visitation from 10 a.m. – noon and a funeral Mass at noon celebrated by Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66.

“It has been said that there are four key virtues or ethics in sports: fairness, integrity, responsibility, and respect,” said Jesuit’s athletic director, Dave Moreau, who succeeded Misuraca. “Coach Misuraca certainly embodied all of these virtues to the fullest. In turn, he instilled them in his players as a coach and later in all of his coaches as an athletic director.”

Born on October 26, 1938, Misuraca grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in 1957. A talented athlete, he went on to Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned First Team All-American honors as a third baseman before graduating in 1962. He also earned a master’s degree from Nicholls State University in 1975. His passion for education and athletics led him to Jesuit that same year, beginning a storied 46-year career.

At Jesuit, Misuraca excelled in many roles: instructor, coach, mentor, and administrator. As head baseball coach from 1966 to 1981, he led the Blue Jays to four district titles, two prep state championships, and three American Legion state championships. His 1980 Legion team advanced to the World Series, and his squads were renowned for their discipline, skill, and sportsmanship. Misuraca was known for his ability to connect with players of all abilities, inspiring confidence in even the most unpolished athletes.

Misuraca’s impact extended far beyond the diamond. As athletic director from 1986 to 2007, he transformed Jesuit’s athletic program, earning statewide and national recognition while himself picking up two Louisiana Athletic Director of the Year recognitions. He served as president of the Louisiana High School Athletic Directors’ Association and was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including:

• Southeastern Louisiana University Athletic Hall of Fame (1976)
• Louisiana American Italian Sports Hall of Fame (1995)
• LHSAA Hall of Fame (2001)
• Allstate Sugar Bowl Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame (2012)
• New Orleans Prep Hall of Fame (2012)

His dedication to sportsmanship, excellence, and integrity left an enduring legacy on Jesuit’s athletic and academic culture. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted in 2016 into Jesuit’s prestigious Hall of Honors.

Beyond his professional achievements, Misuraca was a man of deep faith, humility, and humor. He married Charlene Spencer Misuraca in 1968, and together they raised two sons, Frank, Jr. ’88, and Marc. Known for his affable demeanor and sage advice, Misuraca often reminded his players and colleagues of the importance of character and perseverance. “I loved my experience at Jesuit and did anything they wanted me to do,” he once said—a testament to his servant’s heart.

“With all of his hard-earned accomplishments and well deserved honors,” Moreau addded, “let us not overlook the fact that he provided structure and a greater sense of perspective and purpose to our athletic program. There are just so many components of our athletic program that are now embedded as Jesuit traditions because of him. In that respect, his legacy certainly exceeds his legend.

His influence extended to the New Orleans sports community, where he mentored players who went on to collegiate and professional careers, including Jesuit legends Will Clark ’82 and Jim Gaudet ’73. However, his greatest joy came from seeing his students grow into men of faith and integrity.

As Jesuit remembers Frank Misuraca, we honor a life devoted to the formation of young men for others. His legacy of dedication, compassion, and excellence will continue to inspire future generations of Blue Jays.