Edward Sativa Dawson, Sr, (Coach) 52, passed away Oct 23, 2026 doing what he loved best, coaching football and leading young men “into battle”. Countless students, athletes, coaches and administrators from all over the WPIAL and the country were positively impacted by Coach’s passion for life and for the game of football. Throughout Ed’s distinguished career he devoted his life to shaping young minds, developing student-athletes and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Born on January 19, 1974, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, to the late Carrollton Dawson and Rev. Philip J. Dawson, Sr., Ed was raised in a community that helped shape his character and instill the values of commitment, dedication, and integrity that would guide him throughout his life. A proud graduate of Aliquippa High School, Class of 1992, Ed played an integral role in the school’s first PIAA State Championship before matriculating to Allegheny College, Meadeville, PA. Though Aliquippa shaped who he became, he found love and acceptance in the McKees Rocks and Coraopolis communities in adulthood.

Ed was a man of great faith, instilled early in life by his parents and the faith community at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Pianist and on the Junior Usher Board for many years. Though he had a voluminous life, his legacy of leadership is directly connected to impacting the lives of children from the Aliquippa Little Quips Organization, to Holy Family Institute, to the Head Coaching position and Assistant Dean of Students at Cornell High School. While Ed was known for his seriousness about God, family and football, he also knew how to have a good time. Ed wasn’t just the life of the party…he WAS the party!

Ed was preceded to Glory by his parents and both paternal grandparents, Edward Lee and Margaret Dawson, and maternal grandparents, Edward and Benza Glenn.

He found purpose and took pride in loving his family. At the very center of Ed’s world were his wife of 24 years, Pamela, and two beloved “Suns”, Edward Sativa Jr. and Isaiah Rae who were the beat of his heart and whom he leaves to continue his legacy. His family was his pride, his joy, his greatest blessings and his best accomplishments.

Those left in his void include his beloved siblings, sister Courtney (Ken) Rainey and brother Philip J. Dawson Sr.; three nephews, Philip III, Blake Edwin, and Kenson; one niece, Candace Dawson; parents-in-law, Melvin and Verna Lyles; aunts, Cheryl Williams, Maxine Carpenter, and Carol Bronaugh; Uncle Tony Whitted; and a host of family and friends he loved dearly.

A devoted husband and father, cherished brother, a respected football coach, and a mentor to many. His life was a blessing and his love was a gift. The final whistle may have blown but Coach Dawson’s legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired and loved.