Harry Donahue was a legendary Philadelphia broadcaster best known for his 35-year career as the morning anchor at KYW Newsradio, where he became one of the most recognizable voices in the city. He died at the age of 77 on October 29, 2025, after a battle with cancer.
Career Highlights
Donahue began at KYW Newsradio as a freelance reporter in 1974, becoming a full-time anchor in 1979 and remaining in that role until his retirement in 2014.
He was the familiar voice for morning news, traffic, weather, and the much-anticipated school snow day announcements that became a staple for families across the Delaware Valley.
He was also deeply involved in the region’s sports scene, serving as the radio and TV play-by-play voice for Temple University football and basketball for more than two decades.
Donahue did play-by-play for the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL in the 1980s, called pre-season Philadelphia Eagles games, covered Atlantic 10 basketball, and occasionally worked Philadelphia 76ers broadcasts.
He was the longtime host of “Inside Golf,” a weekly television show on Comcast SportsNet/NBC Sports Philadelphia, and spent 15 years as a voice at NFL Films.
Awards and Honors
Donahue was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and joined the KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame upon his retirement.
He won multiple Pennsylvania Associated Press Awards for his sports coverage, notably the Phillies’ 1980 World Series victory.
Personal
Donahue was born and raised in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood and attended both St. Joseph’s Prep and St. Joseph’s University.
He is remembered as a beloved figure, with his voice and work leaving a lasting impact on Philadelphia’s broadcasting community and sports fans alike.
Harry Donahue’s passing marks the loss of a true Philadelphia icon, whose career spanned decades and made an indelible mark on both news and sports radio in the city.