Donald William Hasselbeck

Donald William Hasselbeck, also known as Big D. Don. Poppa. The DonFather. Hass. Donny. Dad. Don passed away of sudden cardiac arrest on April 14, 2025. He was born April 1, 1955, the son of John and Molly Hasselbeck. Don grew up in a busy and hard working home in Cincinnati, Ohio with his 5 siblings. He was 6’4” in the 8th grade. He was a funny, practical joker and loved to get a reaction for his antics when he wasn’t playing ball somewhere. He graduated as a football All-American from La Salle High School in 1973. He actually had more college basketball scholarship offers than football, but decided to play football and study fine arts at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

While at CU, Don married his high school heartthrob Mary Beth “Betsy” Rueve. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this March. The young couple was so cared for by the CU football booster’s Jim and Betty Matthews that they named their first son, Matthew, after them. Don fell in love with the Rocky mountains which inspired his artwork for the rest of his life. Don had a Hall of Fame football career at CU as a tight end and was a second-round selection by the New England Patriots in the 1977 NFL Draft.

Don and Betsy and their three sons Matthew, Timothy and Nathanael would go on to make Boston their home for the next 48 years. Don played 9 years in the NFL with the Patriots (1977-83), Los Angeles Raiders (1983), Minnesota Vikings (1984) and the New York Giants (1985). He won Superbowl XVIII with the LA Raiders and loved Al Davis and his “Just Win Baby” mantra. The NFL gave him so many fun memories, impactful coaches, and lifelong friendships. He was also proud to be an NFLPA representative when they were fighting for the right to have clean “socks and jocks.”

After his playing years, he started an architectural design and real estate firm that designed and built custom homes. But, he missed sports and moved on to a 22 year career at Reebok. While there, Don had impact in management, marketing and sales roles including launching its cleated business for football and baseball. Don also had a lead role with Reebok and its Crossfit athletes. The Crossfit Community was well loved by Don. He so respected their hard work, athleticism, and support of the military. Many of those crossfit athletes remain dear friends whom he would do anything for. We are sure he tried to encourage many of you to get on the crossfit train!

After retiring from that role, he became a full-time artist and a volunteer coach. He spent two seasons assistant coaching at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA where he helped coach his grandson Henry. Xaverian won the 2023 state championship and is where all three of his sons - Matthew, Tim and Nathanael- starred before moving on to play football at Boston College. After relocating to Nashville this past summer, Don volunteered as a tight ends coach at Ensworth High School where his son Tim is the head coach and Matt the offensive coordinator. Don’s two grandsons, Taylor and Isaiah, are quarterbacks on the Tigers' team. This team had an undefeated regular season in Hasselbeck’s first year as coach. Don coached all three of his son’s growing up in the Pop Warner years creating lasting memories for so many young men in the Pop Warner program. Don had an exuberance for coaching and mentoring and always found a way to get the boys ready for a game or celebrate a big win. He was larger than life with his 6’ 7” frame and his presence. More importantly, he had a heart for and belief in the gifts and potential of the lives of so many of the young men he coached. If he wasn’t coaching he was cheering on the sidelines with the parents of his grandchildren’s teammates. He rarely missed a sporting event for his grandchildren no matter the weather or distance!

Don adored Betsy. Together, with their creative minds and willingness to do the extra effort, they brought care and joy to so many lives. It is hard not to mention the two story house sized red bow Don created from Betsy’s imagination at Christmastime for their home in Norfolk, MA. People would drive far distances for many years to come see it!

Don’s artwork, with its bright, multicolor palette, was a testament to the light and goodness that was in Don’s heart. Don was a detailed, disciplined, servant in his everyday life. He spent hours, in the early morning of each day, praying for his family and friends. He was close with Jesus and turned to Him for everything, privately petitioning the Lord and seeking His guidance. Don was aware of his own need for the grace of God and trusted in the promises of Heaven when he accepted God’s unconditional love and sacrifice.

Don is survived by his wife Betsy. Son Matthew (Sarah), grandchildren Annabelle, Mallory, and Henry. Son Timothy (Elisabeth), grandchildren Grace, Taylor and Isaiah. Son Nathanael (Kelley), grandchildren Jack and Charlie. He is also survived by his five siblings Steve Hasselbeck (Anne), Vernice Fessel (Tom), Tom Hasselbeck (Debbie), Lisa Ruberg (Jerry), and Perry Hasselbeck (Becky). And the Rueve family of Tom and Mildred Rueve of Cincinnati, OH and their twelve children. Patti Mitchell (Mark), Steve Rueve (Nancy), Mary Sue Guetle (Nick), Tim Rueve, Joe Rueve (Pam), Tom Rueve Jr. (Jerri Anne), Missy Vonderheide (Jeff), Marty Rueve (Krista), John Rueve, Punkin Liesch (Scott), and Michael Rueve (Shaune).

Services will be held at 1pm CST at the Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, TN 37215 with a burial and reception immediately following at 2:30pm at Harpeth Hills Gardens Funeral Home 9090 Highway 100 Nashville, TN 37221. The family is encouraging guests to wear colors in honor of Don.

In lieu of flowers, Don would be honored to be remembered by donating to the “Dollar Club Do Good Together” fund.