Aug. 11, 2010

The Duquesne University athletics community is mourning the loss of longtime sports information director and former golf coach Nellie King who passed away this morning at age 82.

King served as Duquesne's sports information director from 1975 through 1992. He also was DU's golf coach for the last 16 years of his career through the 2003-04 season.

Duquesne Director of Athletics Greg Amodio:
"The city of Pittsburgh has lost a true sports icon in Nellie King. Nellie was a valued member of the Duquesne family and he'll be missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his family."

Radio 'Voice of the Dukes' Ray Goss, who broadcast Duquesne men's basketball games with King for 24 seasons:
"One thing I can say without hesitation about Nellie is I never met anyone who didn't like him. He was such a selfless person. I remember one season when I was having difficulty with my heart and Duquesne was playing at the Palestra. We used to broadcast from the top of the stands and we had to carry our radio equipment up there. Well Nellie, who I think had multiple bypass surgery the year before, starts carrying the equipment up the stairs because he was concerned about me. That's the kind of person he was ... always thinking of the other guy. I feel like part of me is missing with his passing."

Duquesne head men's basketball coach Ron Everhart:
"When I took the job at Duquesne, one of the highlights was meeting Nellie. Getting the chance to get to know the man I used to listen to on the radio as a kid [when King was broadcasting Pittsburgh Pirates games] was one of the highlights of my career. Nellie could make a half hour feel like five minutes with the way he could tell a story. I'll miss him."

Duquesne Associate Athletic Director Jarrett Durham, basketball letterman from 1969-71:
"Nellie was always very professional, just a pleasant person to be around. He was always looking to help others and he had a great sense of humor. I remember having a conversation with him and he ended it with, 'you know what Jarrett, no matter what you do, you'll always be $1,500 short.' The older I got, and the more responsibilities I had, the more that line proved true. When I think of it now I still chuckle. I'm happy to have known him."

Viewings will be Friday 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Laughlin Funeral Home, 222 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. The funeral service will be Saturday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1066 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon.

Charitable donations can be made to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and the Baseball Assistance Team.