Harry Donahue, the legendary voice of KYW Newsradio for 35 years, died on Wednesday, Oct. 29. He was 77 years old. The beloved Philadelphia broadcaster passed away after a battle with cancer. KYW Newsradio confirmed the news with his family on Wednesday.
4K Streaming Requires This – Not Just Fast Internet
Netflix Has 47 Hidden Gems With 100% Rotten Tomatoes Scores
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Donahue anchored KYW Newsradio morning drive from 1979 to 2014
- Inducted into Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000
- Voice of Temple football and basketball for over two decades
- Hosted “Inside Golf” on NBC Sports Philadelphia for 12+ years
- Born and raised in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood
A Voice That Woke Up Philadelphia
Donahue joined KYW Newsradio as a freelance reporter in 1974. He became an anchor in 1979. For 35 years, his voice greeted Delaware Valley residents each morning.
Pay for 2 Months, Watch for 12 – The Rotation Strategy Explained
Peacock Streams The Office Deleted Scenes Nobody Knows About
Countless Philadelphians relied on Donahue for news, traffic, and weather. He delivered those coveted snow day announcements every child longed to hear. At the peak of his career, KYW commanded 250,000 listeners during morning drive time.
“Who gets a chance to cover these types of teams, these types of individuals in the city where they grew up. That was the special part for me.”
Donahue covered major Philadelphia events throughout his tenure. These included Pope John Paul’s mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. He reported on championship celebrations for the Phillies and 76ers. He was on air during the MOVE confrontation and the September 11 attacks.
Beyond the Newsradio Booth
Donahue’s broadcasting career extended far beyond KYW. He became the voice of Temple University athletics in 1984. He called Temple football and basketball games for more than two decades.
Temple University inducted him into the Basketball Ring of Honor in 2020. He also did play-by-play for the Philadelphia Stars in the 1980s. The USFL team played when Philadelphia embraced spring football.
His resume included work with NFL Films for 15 years. He called Philadelphia Eagles preseason games. He also covered 76ers basketball and Atlantic-10 college basketball for ESPN.
Hall of Fame Recognition and Legacy
| Honor | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame | 2000 | Recognized for broadcasting excellence |
| KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame | 2014 | Inducted upon retirement |
| Temple Basketball Ring of Honor | 2020 | Voice of Temple athletics |
| Pennsylvania Associated Press Awards | 1980 | Two awards for Phillies playoff coverage |
Donahue retired from KYW Newsradio in 2014 after a 40-year career. The station promptly inducted him into its Hall of Fame. His contributions to Philadelphia broadcasting earned multiple honors throughout his career.
He won two Pennsylvania Associated Press Awards in 1980. These recognized his coverage of the Philadelphia Phillies’ playoff run and World Series victory.
Life After KYW: Inside Golf and Temple
Retirement from morning radio didn’t mean slowing down for Donahue. He continued hosting “Inside Golf” on NBC Sports Philadelphia. The show launched in 2010 and ran for over 12 years.
The weekly program aired on Sunday mornings. It also streamed on ESPN Plus and the InsideGolfTV YouTube channel. Donahue remained the voice of Temple football and basketball after leaving KYW.
- Continued Temple play-by-play duties through recent seasons
- Hosted coaches’ shows for Temple athletics
- Maintained active presence in Philadelphia sports broadcasting
- Traveled to golf courses nationwide for “Inside Golf” production
His post-retirement work kept him connected to Philadelphia sports fans. He called himself “the luckiest fan in the world” for working in his hometown.
What Made Harry Donahue Special to Philadelphia?
Donahue represented authentic Philadelphia broadcasting. He grew up in the Olney neighborhood. He attended St. Joseph’s Prep and St. Joseph’s University. His entire career unfolded in the city he loved.
Former colleagues praised his professionalism and warmth. Marc Rayfield, former senior vice president at CBS Philadelphia, worked with him for over 20 years. He described Donahue’s voice as honest and dependable.
Donahue survived polio as a two-year-old in 1950. The disease left him with a slight limp. He never let it define him or limit his ambitions. His parents refused to overprotect him.
He lived in Upper Southampton, Bucks County with his wife Lynda. They had three sons and nine grandchildren. He spent summers at his beloved shore home in Avalon, New Jersey.
How will Philadelphia’s broadcasting landscape change without Donahue’s distinctive voice? His passing marks the end of an era for local radio. A generation of Philadelphians grew up hearing him every morning. His legacy lives on through decades of memorable broadcasts and the countless lives he touched.
Sources
- KYW Newsradio – Official announcement of Donahue’s passing
- NBC Philadelphia – Breaking news coverage
- Audacy – Tribute to longtime anchor
Similar posts:
- Pierre Robert Legend of WMMR Dies at 70 After 44-Year Radio Career
- Dwight Howard Ends Career on Team Coached by Former Laker – Details Inside!
- Trail Blazers Celebrate Bill Walton with Special Jersey Patch All Season!
- Kevin Durant’s Hilarious Revenge on His Dad After Losing 1-on-1 as a Teen!
- Hubie Brown Ends ESPN Legacy: Final Broadcast After Iconic Coaching, Analyst Career
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.