College sports legend Harry Donahue dies at 77 after long battle with cancer

Harry Donahue, a well-known sports broadcaster from Philadelphia, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the age of 77. He had been fighting cancer for a long time. Donahue was the familiar voice of Temple University’s football and men’s basketball teams and one of the most respected broadcasters in Pennsylvania.

For decades, he told stories about local teams and athletes, becoming a part of Philadelphia’s sports culture and the daily lives of its people.

What happened to Philadelphia’s iconic voice Harry Donahue

Temple University confirmed Harry Donahue’s death on Wednesday, calling him the “longtime voice of the Owls.” He died after a long and brave battle with cancer, which he faced with quiet strength. Friends and former colleagues said he continued to show his love for sports even during his illness. Former Temple coach Fran Dunphy shared that he visited Donahue at his home in Avalon, New Jersey, saying he “handled everything with so much class.”

Donahue had also spoken earlier this year about how lucky he felt to work in the city he grew up in. “Can I think of any job I’d rather have than talking sports in the city I love?” he said in one of his last interviews. His passing left a deep void in Philadelphia’s sports community, where his voice had been a comforting presence for so many years.

How Harry Donahue’s career and legacy continue to inspire Philadelphia sports fans

Harry Donahue began his journey at KYW Newsradio in 1974 as a freelancer and became a full-time anchor in 1979. He stayed there for 35 years before retiring in 2014. He started covering Temple football in 1984 and soon took over play-by-play duties for men’s basketball, earning a reputation for his warmth and detailed storytelling.

Over time, he also covered the Philadelphia Eagles, the 76ers, and hosted the “Inside Golf” show on NBC Sports Philadelphia.Also Read: Joe Rogan Reveals The One Thing That Scared Him More Than Facing Real Fighters Inside The UFC OctagonHe was honored with the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame induction in 2000 and later entered Temple’s Basketball Ring of Honor in 2020. After news of his death broke, tributes flooded social media. Temple Athletic Director Arthur Johnson said Donahue “was more than the voice of Temple Athletics, he was the heartbeat of our community.”Former Temple player Paul Palmer remembered how Donahue guided him both as a player and a broadcaster. To many, Harry Donahue wasn’t just a commentator; he was the sound of home for generations of fans in Philadelphia.