The Living Legacy of Coach Dez: A Giant Among Us

Some people live life. Others give life.

Destry “Coach Dez” Mangus has done both — and for over 40 years he has done it for us. For Harrisburg. For the sons and daughters of this city who needed a coach, a mentor, a father figure, a believer. He has been all of those things — often in the same moment — and he has done it without ever asking for applause.

Born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Coach Dez is not just from here. He is of here. This city is in his blood and his heartbeat has pulsed through its neighborhoods like a drumbeat of hope. From the cracked pavement of playground courts to the bright lights of competition, from classrooms to living rooms, from quiet talks with a troubled young man to standing ovations at community events — Coach Dez has poured himself out so that others could be filled.

Over the span of four decades, he has built more than teams. He has built families. He has built bridges where there were divides. He has built futures where there was once uncertainty. Through life skills, education, and sports, he has shown generations that discipline is love, that preparation is power, and that leadership begins with service.

To many, he is “Coach Dez.” To some, he is Uncle. To others, Father. To his grandchildren, he is the compass who points them toward a life of purpose. But to all of us, he is proof that one man’s commitment can change the destiny of a city.

Selfless does not begin to describe him. The world often rewards the loudest voices, but Coach Dez has shown us that true greatness is measured not in decibels but in decades of steady, faithful, unrelenting service. And make no mistake — without him, Harrisburg would not be the same. The very fabric of our community is stitched with his sacrifice.

There are those who talk about legacy. And then there are those who live it. Coach Dez has lived it in every handshake, every lesson, every car ride home from practice, every moment he refused to give up on a young person who the world had already counted out. He has lifted us all higher — and he never once kept score of what he gave.

So today, we give you your flowers while you can still smell them. Not because it is the polite thing to do, but because it is the right thing to do. Because you deserve to know that your city sees you, feels you, and will never forget you.

Coach Dez, your name will echo in Harrisburg’s story long after the lights dim and the cheers fade. Your legacy is carved into the hearts of the people you have served. And when our children’s children ask who helped build this city into what it is, we will tell them about a man named Destry Mangus — a father, grandfather, mentor, uncle, leader, icon, and legend who chose to make his life about others.

Thank you for being the giant we could lean on.

Thank you for showing us what service looks like.

Thank you for loving us enough to prepare us for more.

Harrisburg is forever better because you ARE here.