Hidalgo, Don Paul, passed away peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 2nd, 2024, at the age of 97. Born on December 23rd, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Don’s life was a testament to faith, family, service, and achievement. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
Don was preceded in death by:
• His parents, Edna and Author Hidalgo
• His wife, Betty Breen Hidalgo, who passed away in 1999
• His second wife, Barbara Messina Hidalgo
• His sister, Geraldine Hidalgo Rome
• His sons-in-law, William Lahners II and Harold Dan Sheets
Don is survived by:
• His children: Donna Lahners, Michael Hidalgo, Paul & Vickey Hidalgo, Steve & Lori Bayliss, Leslie Sheets, Keith & Lisa Shuster, William Hidalgo
• His grandchildren: William Lahners III, Jessica Hidalgo, Lauren Lahners, Harold Dan Sheets II, Courtney Sheets, Michael Hidalgo, Brian Bayliss, Jonathan Hidalgo, Allie Hidalgo
• And eight great-grandchildren
Don was a great and prolific storyteller, this is his last – the story of his life.
Don's life was one of service, commitment, and excellence. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was an Air Scout First Marshall, setting the tone for a life dedicated to leadership and helping others. A proud graduate of Warren Easton Boys High School (Class of 1943), Don earned recognition as an Outstanding Senator at Boys State in 1942 and played on the school’s varsity football team.
Don served his country with honor during World War II, enlisting in the U.S. Navy Air Corps in 1944, where he served in the Pacific Theater as an Aviation Radioman 3rd Class, an Aerial Gunner, until his discharge in 1946. His military service helped shape the man he became — determined and deeply patriotic.
After the war, Don pursued higher education at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he became a founding member and the first president of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He also served as president of the Interfraternity Council . He graduated in 1951.
Faith, Family, and Community
Don’s faith was central to his life. He was one of the founding members of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, where he also served as the first president of the St. Aloysius Parish Council. His involvement with the church didn’t stop there — he also served as a football coach and athletic director at the church’s school and spent 43 years attending Manresa Retreat. Don’s unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith also extended to his role as Deputy Grand Knight of Dominic Blasco Council.
A Lifelong Professional
In the professional realm, Don's first career was selling insurance through his own independent insurance agency. Following a years long struggle with alcohol, Don got sober though AA.. At this time he realized there was a serious lack of resources to help those stuggling with addiction. He became a pioneer in the field of substance abuse, addiction and mental health and dedicated his life to helping others. As the founder and CEO of Hidalgo Health Associates, he built the oldest continuously operating employee assistance company in the United States, and he also founded Health Associates, the first utilization review company in Louisiana. He went on to establish several other successful companies, including Independent Medical Appeals Company.
Don was an original member of Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse Counselors & Trainers (LASACT), served as the first chairman, and was Licensed Addiction Counselor #1. After his wife Betty's passing Don and his family formed The Betty Breen Foundation, which helps fund the education of future addiction counselors.
Don’s impact on the health insurance and medical fields was profound. As a lobbyist he specialized in legislation affecting health insurance, substance abuse, and mental health. Don’s lobbying was instrumental in advocating for the addiction profession. Don led countless interventions and counseling sessions helping others to their path of sobriety and a fulfilling life which left a lasting impact on individuals and their families. He remained active in AA and had over 50 years of sobriety.
He was also deeply involved in a number of professional organizations, serving as president of the Baton Rouge Life Underwriters Association, a board member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, and a founder and board member of the Louisiana Association of Health Plans.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Above all, Don will be remembered for his commitment to service — to his family, faith, community, country. His legacy of generosity and service will continue to live on through the lives of all those he helped and loved.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 10, 2024, Viewing 9:30 am till 11:00 am with Mass following.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Betty Breen Foundation, LASACT, St. Aloysius Catholic Church or a charity of your choice in Don’s memory.
Repast to follow
