Temple Mourns Passing of Hal “Hotsy” Reinfeld

PHILADELPHIA – Hal "Hotsy" Reinfeld, a co-captain of the Temple University men's basketball team that advanced to the 1956 NCAA Final Four, passed away Monday evening. He was 86.

A three-year starter for the Owls, Mr. Reinfeld was one of three Temple players named to the first-ever First Team all-Philadelphia Big 5 for the 1955-56 season. A senior captain along with Hal Lear on that Final Four team, Mr. Reinfeld averaged 7.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for the squad that finished 27-4 and ranked 13th nationally by the Associated Press. He averaged 7.6 points for his career at Temple, which spanned three seasons and 72 games.

"They do not come any better than Hotsy Reinfeld," said Temple men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy. "He was a wonderful man with a great attitude and outlook on life. I admired him greatly."

A member of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, Mr. Reinfeld began his basketball career at Frankford High School. During his high school days, he also played in the Jewish Basketball League – and received "Rookie of the Year" honors.

In 1950, he was selected as a member of the first team Philadelphia "All-Public" Basketball. In that same year, Mr. Reinfeld started for the Jewish Basketball League champion Shar Israel team. Before enrolling at Temple University, he served honorably in the United States Army.

Mr. Reinfeld earned a master's degree in education from Temple in 1961 and became a Health and Physical Education teacher in the City of Philadelphia's school system. He taught and coached for 30 years before retiring in 1995. He also owned and operated Oak Lane Day Camp in Blue Bell, Pa. for 10 years.

Mr. Reinfeld is survived by his wife of 56 years, Florrie, his daughter Leslie Master and son-in-law Laurence, his son Bruce and his granddaughter Chloe Master.

Temple University Athletics

Temple Mourns Passing of Hal “Hotsy” Reinfeld

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