nhaags is saddened to share the news of Master Coach Lou's passing this past February 6th, 2026

Louis Anthony “Lou” Datilio II, fondly known around here as Master Coach, a pioneering figure in American gymnastics, passed away peacefully at his home in North Hampton, New Hampshire on Friday morning, February 6th. He was with his wife, True, by his side while listening to his favorite Hank Snow songs. He was predeceased by his parents, Louis A. Datilio and Rita Secker Datilio of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his brothers, Ronald G. Datilio and Raymond J. Datilio.

He is survived by his wife, True Dow, with whom he shared two sons, Nicholas, (Taylor) and William; his two children, Louis III, (Jennifer) and Danielle, from his former marriage; and his cherished grandchildren, Jacob, Callie, Brett, Talia, Lucy, and Olivia. He is also survived by thousands of gymnasts, students, and colleagues whose lives he shaped through almost 70 years of coaching, mentorship, and friendship.

One of Lou’s greatest joys in life was being passionately involved with his children’s athletic dreams and professional careers. He took immense pride in their accomplishments, always ready to talk about them to friends, cheering them on with the same encouragement and love he gave to every athlete he coached.

Lou’s journey in gymnastics began at Lincoln High School in Philadelphia, where his talent and drive quickly set him apart as a standout athlete. He went on to compete nationally for the YMCA German Turners Association, was a Tumbling Champion at Temple University, and earned his Master’s degree in Physical Education from Trenton State.

Lou dedicated his life to coaching, teaching, and building the sport he loved. After teaching Physical Education at Riverside HS, NJ he was hired by the University of New Hampshire in 1967 to launch the men’s gymnastics program. In 1973, Lou purchased an 1895 farm in North Hampton, NH and transformed the barn and twelve horse stalls into what became the legendary NHAAGS (New Hampshire Academy of Artistic Gymnastics and Sport), the first gymnastics school in New Hampshire and now celebrating its 53rd year of continuous operation. Within a decade, he had led the Men’s UNH Gymnastics team to nationals, then went on to establish the Women’s program, guiding them to the national finals as well.

During his tenure at UNH, Lou expanded his world by opening seven gymnastics schools across the state, each helping to advance the sport he so deeply loved. As a Brevet Judge and one of the founding contributors to what became USA Gymnastics, Lou helped write the Artistic Gymnastics Junior Olympic Code of Points for the USGF, shaping standards still used across the country. Over nearly seven decades, he witnessed the sport’s evolution, from the original AAU of his childhood to the USGF in the ‘60’s and today’s USA Gymnastics, and remained a vital force in its growth and integrity.

Lou had a deep love of music. As a child of a strong Italian family, he was proficient in accordion, played guitar with The Mansioniers throughout Philadelphia, would play his harmonica while waiting for his boys to come out of basketball or hockey practice and was always belting out, singing along to his favorite 50’s country tunes. He especially enjoyed jazz and classic country and was a member of several Seacoast jazz bands through the years.

Lou had a lifelong passion for cars. He often reminisced about building an engine for his beloved Studebaker, dropping it into the car from his mother’s kitchen window of his home in Philadelphia, telling tales of drag racing down Roosevelt Boulevard from streetlight to streetlight; stories that always brought a sparkle to his eye and a laugh to those listening. He participated in rally racing through Rumford, Maine in his customized Audi 400 which he spent many hours tweaking and fitting out with all the passion of an artist.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Lou will remember not only his mastery of the sport of Gymnastics but his passion, warmth, humor, and storytelling. Even in recent years, Lou could be found in the gym; coaching, observing, and sharing his lifetime of wisdom with young athletes. His legacy lives on through his family, his countless students, and generations of gymnasts who came through his welcoming doors.

On June 20th, 2026 from 12:30 until we all fall to the grass, exhausted, a memorial service to celebrate Lou’s life will be held. With one of his favored pig roasts and plenty of his favorite music to accompany all who stop in to pay their respects, we hope you will join us to celebrate this wonderful, crazy, and revolutionary man, with long-ago friends, to swim in the pools and simply partake in the joy that is nhaags.

May you rest in peace after a long, hard won and passionate life. We love you. 10/31/1938 - 02/06/2026