Temple University Athletics
Temple Mourns Passing of Men's Basketball Great Dan Fitzgerald
1.10.18 | Men's Basketball
Dan Fitzgerald, the leading scorer and rebounder for the 1962-63 Temple University men's basketball team, passed away on January 6. He was 75.
"All of Temple University mourns the passing of one of our former men's basketball greats Dan Fitzgerald," said Temple men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time."
One of the five "Iron Men" on Hall of Fame coach Harry Litwack's 1962-63 squad, Mr. Fitzgerald led the Owls in scoring (11.9 ppg) and rebounding (11.5 rpg) as a sophomore center. He would again average a double-double (12.2 ppg and 10.0 rpg) as a junior despite moving to the forward position as sophomore Jim Williams took over the center position.
Mr. Fitzgerald finished his playing career at Temple with 597 points and 543 rebounds over 54 games and is one of only six Temple players to average a double-double for his career.
"Dan was a really tough player and a great teammate," said Williams. "He was more importantly a loving father and family man. He will be deeply missed."
After graduating from Temple, Mr. Fitzgerald played for the Washington Generals and later coached at Saint Gabriel's Hall, where he led his team to a championship.
He would later earn his graduate degree from Temple and served for over 35 years as the Director of Continuing Education at the Pennsylvania State University's Abington Campus. He was also a counselor for 30 years at the Intercommunity Action's Behavioral Health Division, a testament to his passion for helping those in need.
Mr. Fitzgerald was an avid sports fan and loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife Madeleine, their three children: Timothy Fitzgerald (Wendy), Mark Fitzgerald (Paige), Danielle James (Mark); five grandchildren: Catherine, Sean, Caroline, Blake, Shannon; and his sister Marie McEvoy. He was predeceased by his sister Dolores McManus and his brother James Fitzgerald.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass on Friday, January 12 at 11 AM at St. Helena Church, 1489 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 11 AM at the Church. Entombment will be in St. Patrick Mausoleum, Norristown. Memorial Contributions may be made in Daniel's name to St. Helena Church at the above address.
"All of Temple University mourns the passing of one of our former men's basketball greats Dan Fitzgerald," said Temple men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time."
One of the five "Iron Men" on Hall of Fame coach Harry Litwack's 1962-63 squad, Mr. Fitzgerald led the Owls in scoring (11.9 ppg) and rebounding (11.5 rpg) as a sophomore center. He would again average a double-double (12.2 ppg and 10.0 rpg) as a junior despite moving to the forward position as sophomore Jim Williams took over the center position.
Mr. Fitzgerald finished his playing career at Temple with 597 points and 543 rebounds over 54 games and is one of only six Temple players to average a double-double for his career.
"Dan was a really tough player and a great teammate," said Williams. "He was more importantly a loving father and family man. He will be deeply missed."
After graduating from Temple, Mr. Fitzgerald played for the Washington Generals and later coached at Saint Gabriel's Hall, where he led his team to a championship.
He would later earn his graduate degree from Temple and served for over 35 years as the Director of Continuing Education at the Pennsylvania State University's Abington Campus. He was also a counselor for 30 years at the Intercommunity Action's Behavioral Health Division, a testament to his passion for helping those in need.
Mr. Fitzgerald was an avid sports fan and loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife Madeleine, their three children: Timothy Fitzgerald (Wendy), Mark Fitzgerald (Paige), Danielle James (Mark); five grandchildren: Catherine, Sean, Caroline, Blake, Shannon; and his sister Marie McEvoy. He was predeceased by his sister Dolores McManus and his brother James Fitzgerald.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass on Friday, January 12 at 11 AM at St. Helena Church, 1489 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 11 AM at the Church. Entombment will be in St. Patrick Mausoleum, Norristown. Memorial Contributions may be made in Daniel's name to St. Helena Church at the above address.
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