November 1, 2025

The vibrant voice that connected Philadelphia sports fans to their favorite teams has fallen silent. Harry Donahue, the famed sports broadcaster who brought Temple University football and men’s basketball games to life, died on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. He was 77 years old and had fought a long, quiet battle against cancer. Temple University, known for its proud sports tradition, called Donahue the “longtime voice of the Owls.” His passing left a deep gap in the hearts of Philadelphia’s sports lovers. Friends and colleagues remember him as a man who “handled everything with so much class,” even as illness tried to slow him down. Fran Dunphy, former Temple coach, recalled visiting Donahue at his home in Avalon, New Jersey, saying, “He continued to show his love for sports even during his illness.” Long before cancer shadowed his life, Harry Donahue was already a household name. He began his broadcasting career at KYW Newsradio in 1974, working as a freelancer before becoming a full-time anchor in 1979. His 35 years there painted a rich canvas of Philadelphia sports history. Starting in 1984, he covered Temple football and took over play-by-play for men’s basketball, enchanting listeners with his warm, detailed storytelling. His voice was also heard cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles and the 76ers, and he hosted the popular show "Inside Golf" on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Honors poured in during his lifetime. He entered the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and Temple’s Basketball Ring of Honor in 2020—testaments to the impact he left on the sports community. In one of his last interviews, Donahue expressed his gratitude for a career spent in the city he loved. “Can I think of any job I’d rather have than talking sports in the city I love?” he said. Temple Athletic Director Arthur Johnson summed up his legacy perfectly: “He was more than the voice of Temple Athletics, he was the heartbeat of our community.” Players like Paul Palmer, who once played under his gaze, remember Harry as more than a voice—they see him as a guide, mentor, and the true sound of Philadelphia sports. As fans and friends share memories, Harry Donahue’s stories and spirit will forever echo in the city he called home.

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Tags: Harry Donahue, Temple University, Philadelphia Sports, Sports broadcaster, Cancer Battle, Sports Legacy,