Philadelphia broadcasting legend Harry Donahue has died at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer.
Donahue spent decades as the voice of Temple University men’s basketball and football teams and once said he felt like ‘the luckiest man in the world.’
The Temple Owls confirmed his death on Wednesday, paying tribute to Donnahue for ‘bringing the passion and pride of Temple Athletics to fans across the city and beyond.’
The sportscaster joined KYW Newsradio as a freelancer in 1974 before starting work as an anchor four years later. He presented the morning drive and sports for 35 years until his retirement in 2014.
Donahue began covering Temple Athletics in 1984, broadcasting football games on the radio. He later took over as the play-by-play caller for Temple men’s basketball.
After decades in the broadcast booth, Donahue was inducted into both the Temple Basketball Ring of Honor (2020) and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (2000).
Philadelphia broadcasting legend Harry Donahue has died aged of 77 after a battle with cancer
Beyond college sports, the Philadelphia native covered the Eagles and 76ers, while he also hosted Inside Golf, a popular show on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
In an interview with KYW earlier this year, Donahue said: ‘Can I think of any job I’d rather have than talking sports in the city that I grew up in, in the city that I grew to love, and teams that I grew to love and people that I got to know…. who gets a chance to cover these type of teams and individuals in the city where they grew up? That was the special thing for me.’
Temple athletic director, Arthur Johnson, said Donahue ‘was more than the voice of Temple Athletics — he was the heartbeat of our community.’
In a statement, Johnson added: ‘For decades, his passion, professionalism, and love for the Owls brought our football and men’s basketball programs to life for countless fans.
‘His storytelling connected generations of Temple students, alumni, and supporters, and his legacy will forever echo through our university.
‘On behalf of Temple Athletics, we extend our deepest condolences to Harry’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable career.’
