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Frank Deford
1938 - 2017
Frank Deford
1938 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1938
DIED
2017
Frank Deford Obituary
He died Sunday, May 28, 2017, in Key West, Florida, according to his family.
Deford began his career at Sports Illustrated in 1962, writing for the magazine through the 1980s, becoming well-known for his long-form pieces that were often the longest article in each issue of the publication.
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Deford left Sports Illustrated in 1989 to become editor-in-chief of a new sports-focused daily newspaper, The National. It survived less than two years, and Deford went on to contribute to CNN and to HBO's "Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel." He returned to Sports Illustrated in 1998, serving as senior contributing writer until his death.
In 1980, while on still on staff at Sports Illustrated, Deford began contributing weekly commentary on sports to NPR's "Morning Edition." He continued doing so for 37 years, retiring from NPR just weeks before his death. He said that at NPR, "because it has such a broad audience, I was able to reach people who otherwise had little or no interest in sport. ... Nothing made me happier than to hear from literally hundreds of listeners who would tell me how much the commentaries revealed about a subject they otherwise had never cared much for."
Deford was also the author of 20 books, including the novel “Everybody's All-American,” which was turned into a 1988 movie starring Jessica Lange and Dennis Quaid.
His daughter Alexandra, who was just 8 when she died of cystic fibrosis in 1980, was the subject of a memoir, “Alex: The Life of a Child.” Deford became an advocate for research on the disease during the 1970s and served as national chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation from 1982 to 1999.
Deford was honored with numerous awards over his long career. He was named Sports Writer of the Year six times by the National Sports Media Association; was inducted into the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame in 1998; won an Emmy Award for work during the Seoul Olympics in 1998; and, in 2013, became the first sports writer to receive a National Humanities Medal. The humanities award was presented by President Barack Obama, who said, "Mr. Deford has offered a consistent, compelling voice in print and on radio, reaching beyond scores and statistics to reveal the humanity woven into the games we love."
Deford is survived by his wife, Carol Penner; two children, Christian and Scarlet; and two grandchildren.
62 Entries
Amy McDonnell
February 1, 2020
Sorry for loss. I read his book about Alex as a kid, probably first book that in the way he wrote explained a childs death, so heartbreaking, but he is reunited with his daughter again beyond and she is calling him my little daddy. His writings showed even a little girl can be a hero.
August 26, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing our love ones is never easy but may the love of people that surrounds you soften your grief. And may you find comfort and peace in drawing closer to God in prayer during this difficult time.
Mrs. K. Jackson
June 12, 2017
My condolences to the family. Mr DeFord was my favorite interviewer on Real Sports. I loved the content of his writing. I hope the family can go through the grieving process and find a productive way to bring honor to his name. There is hope to see him again without his having to die again.
Jasmine Marshall Armstrong
June 8, 2017
Dear Deford family: I first read your father, grandfather and husband's words when I was 7 years old, and picked up "Alex: The Life of a Child." It remains one of the most beautiful books ever written by a parent about the love of children.
As a baseball fan, as I grew up, I eagerly read Frank's writing on sports--which were always erudite, humane and thought-provoking. As an adult, I loved listening to him on National Public Radio.
Recently, I was hospitalized with a frightening episode of Toxic Shock, and have experienced some health setbacks. In the hospital, I told my husband how absolutely beautiful Franks' writing was, and how his words gave me deep peace as a Christian and Human. I recalled him writing he was no longer afraid of death because he would be reunited with Alex. This conversation happened on the day Frank died. I did not know he had died until yesterday.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father, husband, and grandfather. His sweetness and love of his children, Christian, Alex and Scarlet, as well as his wife, Carol, came across in his writing. I will be praying for all of you.
I am a writer and poet myself and obtained an MFA in part due to my inspiration to be a writer that began with Frank's beautiful prose. Like him, I was a journalist in my younger years. I am now completing a doctorate in Humanities at UC Merced.
Thank you for sharing Frank with the world--May God bless you and may Frank and Alex be joyous in being reunited.
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Emily Haskell
June 5, 2017
I read his book about "Alex". You could tell it was written from his heart. My grandson was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in 1981. I could identify with his feelings. I am thankful for his involvement with the CF foundation. He was a great man with a purpose in life.
R Franklin
June 3, 2017
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that Frank will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
June 3, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family who have lost their loved one to death. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
Juan Santalla
June 2, 2017
I loved to read his articles in SI. he had a very unique form of writing that I think made good contact with his readers.
RIP Frank,
Juan Luis Santalla
Tim Conn
June 1, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Deford Family. Frank Deford brought to life my parents story in his beautifully written " The Boxer And The Blonde" Our family considered him a friend and held him in the highest esteem. He touched the lives of countless people and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Kelly Johnson
June 1, 2017
I was such a fan of his work and the stories he told on "Real Sports". So sad to learn of his passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Maria Hernandez
June 1, 2017
Loved watching him, he gave everything that personal touch that everyone tries to give, but not everyone can pull it off. RIP Frank.
Cindy Bishop
May 31, 2017
I read his book about his precious baby girl many times. That book made me a better mother. It made me realize how short and precious life is and to make every moment count. After reading Alex: The Life of a Child, I wanted to make wonderful memories with my kids. Thank you Mr Deford for all you did for me. I wish I had met you and Alex. I'm sure Alex was so happy to see her little Daddy when you got to heaven
May 31, 2017
May God comfort this family as they move through this trial.
May 31, 2017
I will never forget reading Mr. Deford's book about his little girl - to say it made a huge impression on me is an understatement. And years later, though I am not a sports fan, I enjoyed and looked forward to his NPR commentaries. What a gifted way with words he had. My sincere condolences on his passing.
Mary
Anchorage, AK
Bobby Wilcox
May 31, 2017
A man of purpose and also able to hit the bullseye when putting a message across. This is a huge loss to the news and sportsworld. Words can't match how much I've enjoyed his work. Sadly I send out prayers to his family and for his memory.
Barry Zoob
May 31, 2017
Frank: I will never forget you and the impact you had on my life. You were one of nation's greatest gifts and your work on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is revered. You can now join your daughter Alex in heaven and talk about horses together. Rest in peace my friend. May your passing be for a blessing...Barry Zoob
S. Hill
May 31, 2017
My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Frank. Life seems to fly by all to quickly. How loving God is to console us with his promise of eternal life. May you continue to find needed comfort in God's Word and in the love you have for each other. John 3:16
May 31, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 30, 2017
Deford family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find a measure of comfort in the kind words of others, the precious memories you shared with your loved one, and the thought of knowing he rests in God's memory.
T C
May 30, 2017
My condolences to the Deford family for the loss of Frank. May God's Word strengthen you during this difficult time. (Isa. 41:10,13)
Carlotta
May 30, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Deford family and friends at this difficult time.
Jill Eliot
May 30, 2017
I am sad, my happy, writer, knowledgable friend is gone. We met about 26 years ago at my university, Ohio Wesleyan. Frank was on a panel about athletics for college students. We had actually met through correspondence, as I read his book about Alex. The book and his writing inspired me to begin my own children's theatre company, The Imaginating Dramatics Company and Frank gave us permission to use Alex's coined word, Imaginating. The company has been in operation since then and only with my retirement, two years ago has since shuttered down. After Frank's talk at Wesleyan, I drove him to the Columbus Airport and we had a chance to get further acquainted. He was a Prince and made a forever impact on my life and my life's work. Shakespeare said it best in Romeo and Juliet:
"When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heav'n so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun."
God be with you Carol and family. Imaginating is still the word in Columbus, Ohio.
Fondly,
Jill Eliot ([email protected])
The Shakespeare quote is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN!!
Cheryl Carlesimo
May 30, 2017
We offer our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Carol, and her children and grandchildren. Frank was not only a great writer, but also a kind, giving person who made many contributions to the community. I appreciated his role as a sportswriter without peer, but Frank was also someone who made time for his local library, for young people, and a host of causes. We also admired his great gift as a novelist. We're so sorry to lose him. On behalf of the whole Carlesimo family, I extend our thoughts, prayers, and support.
Marcellus
May 30, 2017
I am a sport fan and a fan of good sport writings. Frank was a great sports writer, really a great writer period. He will be missed. I pray that the family find strength at this time. I wish there were words I could write to help soften the pain you are going through. I can only say we are so glad you shared him with us and may our heavenly father supply the comfort and strength needed to you at this time.
faith/rory tobin/dockett
May 30, 2017
Dear Deford Family Rory and I wish to express our condolences's on the loss of Frank Deford.he'll surely be missed.just heard the news as of Sun.luv,faith/rory
Stephanie Saxon
May 30, 2017
I will miss you, Frank. I looked forward to listening to your stories on NPR. God bless you and keep you.
G. Freeman
May 30, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 30, 2017
I was never a sports fan, but I would make it a point to stop what I was doing to listen to Frank Deford on NPR. It was like having a close friend who understood what all the lather and fuss was about. I sent him a note when he railed against fans with signs in the grandstands. I said that if he ever got to Cincinnati I would carry a sign that said "I {heart} Frank Deford. He sent me a personal note that reflected that to me.
He left a hole in my heart that no one will ever fill.
Daniel Humphreys, retired cab driver
Cincinnati, OH
Ann Marie Stokman
May 30, 2017
Sorry to hear of the loss
Harry Simpson
May 30, 2017
Godspeed Frank, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
May 30, 2017
A great person in the sports world and loved by many sports fans. May God bless his family and friends with all the comfort they need at this difficult time. God love you.
Michael Jachimczyk
May 30, 2017
My condolences to the Deford family. Mr. Deford was a customer of the limo service I drove for when I was working my way through law school. I had the privilege of driving him home once, after a long flight which experienced several delays, and he was a real gentleman and a nice guy. I think that that speaks as well of him as the superb catalogue of work he leaves behind. My condolences to your family.
Kim E
May 30, 2017
Frank didn't know me at all, but he added so much to my morning drive. His thoughtful commentary, made even a non-sports fan care about the people and the games he so keenly observed. He will be missed!!
Steven Kapsalis
May 30, 2017
Deford Family,
Sorry for your loss,
I knew he was a brilliant sports historian and made the bigger picture of its place in life really interesting. He was a no nonsense right on target voice. I had no idea he wrote that many books. Decorated career and humble. Argument can be made for the best sports expert ever. Incomparable achievements. God Bless.
May 30, 2017
So sorry for this loss that your family is enduring. May God help you cope with the heavy weight of your grief (Psalm 68:19)
May 30, 2017
Heartfelt prayers to Frank's family. He leaves behind an incredible legacy which has touched my life.
May 30, 2017
Condolence goes to the family of Frank Deford. May you have many cherished memories and may God be with you as a refuge under the shadow of his wings.
Andrew White
May 30, 2017
Really enjoyed this man's coverage and work on HBO.... Not many left like these guys. RIP.
May 30, 2017
I am one of those fans who so enjoyed listening to Mr. Deford on NPR even though I had no particular interest in most sports. What he shared enriched my life. I am grateful for his work, and miss him.
May 30, 2017
Please except my condolences for your loss.
May 30, 2017
Offering heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr DeFord. Frank was truly an amazing and talented gentlemen. May God grant solace to the family during this most challenging time. ~Al
MD Admirer
May 30, 2017
It was sad to learn recently that Mr. Deford would no longer offer his interesting commentaries on NPR. Now it so much sadder to realize he has left us. Beyond his skills as a sportswriter, his book about the history of the Miss America pageant was informative and fun. Such a talented person who had depth, perception, and a way of making his interests our own, too. Condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers.
Joel
May 30, 2017
I enjoyed hearing Mr. Deford for so many years on NPR. I agree with what President Obama said about Frank weaving humanity into the scores and stats. That's what I liked most about his NPR work. Thank you, Frank! Rest in peace.
Charles Sullivan
May 30, 2017
"The act of writing is the intention of it, the root is liberation." __ James Baldwin
My first introduction to Mr. Deford's stellar writing was his work with Sports Illustrated . . . and the operative, resulting phrase, I was 'hooked' . . .
I extend abiding thought and prayer to the Deford family and the legion of his friends and journalistic associates.
Adrian Barnette
May 30, 2017
We'll miss you !
Judie Martinez
May 29, 2017
I read "Alex: The Life of a Child", Mr. Deford's moving chronicle of his daughter's life, many years ago. The book left an unforgettable impression that still remains.
His love of the written word made it possible for the reader to know and love his beautiful little girl too.
To Mr. Deford's family: May your precious memories bring you solace at this time.
May 29, 2017
So sorry to hear about your loss. May our heavenly father comfort you and your family at this most difficult time.
Lamont THOMAS
May 29, 2017
I admired Frank's accomplishments at Gilman School where he was a year behind me. Not surprising he brought such class and dignity and humor to sports, as he did at school. Thank you Frank
Lamont Thomas, aka Pete, '56,
An admiring Ct fan from Milford.
Valenda Newell
May 29, 2017
May my heartfelt condolences bring family comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss....MANY MANY BLESSINGS
AC
May 29, 2017
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad and difficult time. Psalms 119:50,76.
Kim Robinson
May 29, 2017
My perspective on sports has been forever changed by the way Frank Deford told stories. I always felt enlightened about whatever sport he was discussing, but more importantly, I always felt more positive about life in general.
His unique perspective and quirky approach to sports led me to have an entirely different relationship with so many games, and the idea of sports as being part of culture is a wonderful one.
Thank you, Frank Deford,you and your voice will be sorely missed.
May 29, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
AC
May 29, 2017
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10.
Dan Ramsey
May 29, 2017
Frank will be missed. God bless the family.
My prayers go out for Carol and all her children
May 29, 2017
My prayers go out for Carol and all her children
Mike Shaltry
May 29, 2017
My life is forever better and more importantly....enriched from an overall perspective for having the honor to watch and listen to your commentary on sport for if one really listened closely was a commentary on life itself.
May 29, 2017
Many years ago, Frank took a still wet behind the ears sportswriter and made him feel at home at a gathering of some of the biggest names in sportswriting and broadcasting. He didn't have to do it, but he did, and I'll never forget it. Rest In Peace, Frank.
George
York, Pa.
Betty
May 29, 2017
Deford Family,
Offering condolences for the loss of your loved one. May your fondest memories, loving support of family and friends, and the wonderful provision God made by means of His loving kindness (John 3:16) help to strengthen and console your hearts during difficult times.
May 29, 2017
Loved his writing. RIP. Condolences to the family.
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