PHILADELPHIA – La Salle mourns the passing Charles “Buddy” Donnelly ‘52, a member of the University’s Hall of Athletes and the captain of the 1952 NIT Championship men’s basketball team, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 81.
“Buddy meant a lot to the La Salle community as a member of the 1952 NIT Champions,” Director of Athletics Dr. Tom Brennan said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Mr. Donnelly (June 11, 1930 – May 6, 2012) was the point guard and playmaker on the 1952 Explorers that defeated Dayton, 75-64, in the NIT Championship game.
Following graduation, Donnelly was the player/coach of the U.S. Army’s Ft. Belvoir (Va.) basketball team that featured Duke All-American Dick Groat. The team won the 1953 All-Army Tournament.
Mr. Donnelly was an insurance salesman for most of his career, once opening a business with former teammate Tom Gola.
He later coached Father Judge High School, compiling a 100-30 record in nine seasons. Mr. Donnelly also coached the Camden Bullets of the Eastern League and St. Joseph’s High School in Hammonton, N.J.
Mr. Donnelly was inducted into the La Salle Hall of Athletes in 1992.
He is survived by his three children Michael, Robert and Stacy. Donnelly is pre-deceased by his first wife, Mary, and his second wife, Alice.
The viewing will be held Thursday, May 10 beginning at 7 p.m. and on Friday, May 11 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Joseph A. Quinn Funeral Home, 5358 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, Pa.
The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 11 at Saint Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa.
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