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Harry Kalas Obituary
"We lost our voice today," team president David Montgomery said, his voice cracking. "He has loved our game and made just a tremendous contribution to our sport and certainly to our organization."
Kalas was discovered by the Phillies director of broadcasting about 12:30 p.m. and taken to a local hospital, Montgomery said.
Kalas had surgery earlier this year for an undisclosed ailment that the team characterized as minor. He looked somewhat drawn last week as the Phillies opened the season at home.
Kalas joined the Phillies in 1971. Before that, he was a member of the Houston Astros' broadcast team from 1965-70. In 2002, he received the Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award for his contributions to the game.
"Players come and go, but 'Outta here!' - that's forever," said Scott Franzke, a Phillies radio broadcaster.
Kalas lent his sonorous voice to everything from puppies to soup. He did work for NFL Films, was the voice for Chunky Soup commercials and Animal Planet's annual tongue-in-cheek Super Bowl competitor, the Puppy Bowl.
Kalas joined the Phillies radio and TV broadcast team the year the club moved into its former home, Veterans Stadium, replacing fan favorite Bill Campbell.
He wasn't immediately embraced by Phillies fans, despite being paired with Richie Ashburn, a Hall of Famer as a player, and longtime announcer. But Kalas evolved into a beloved sports figure in Philadelphia. He and Ashburn grew into a popular team, and shared the booth until Ashburn's death in 1997.
"Major League Baseball has lost one of the great voices of our generation," commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. "Baseball announcer s have a special bond with their audience, and Harry represented the best of baseball not only to the fans of the Phillies, but to fans everywhere."
Kalas fell in love with baseball at a young age, when his father took him to Comiskey Park to see the Chicago White Sox play the Washington Senators. It was a rainy night, and Kalas sat with his dad behind the Washington dugout.
"Because of the rains, the field was covered," he told the AP. "There was no batting practice, so the players really didn't have anything to do. Mickey Vernon popped out of the dugout, saw this wide-eyed kid - me - picked me up, took me in the dugout, gave me a baseball, introduced me to his teammates, and thus began my love of baseball and the Washington Senators."
He maintained that enthusiasm for the game throughout his career.
The son of a Methodist minister, the Naperville, Ill., native graduated from the University of Iowa in 1959 with a degree in speech, radio and television . He was drafted into the Army soon after he graduated.
In 1961, he became sports director at Hawaii radio station KGU and also broadcast games for the Hawaii Islanders of the Pacific Coast League and the University of Hawaii.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
1780 Entries
Mitch B Udell
December 16, 2024
TO A SPECIAL PERSON IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD I MISS YOU EVERY SINGLE DAY NIGHT MINUTES HOURS AND SECONDS, I WISH YOU WERE WHEN I NEED YOU! WITH COUSIN TOOD AND BROTHERS WHO STOOD BY ME AND WANTED TO SAY UNCLE HARRY I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH IN MY HEART AND SOUL!
HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!!
Phyllis Polk Liscum
July 16, 2023
I knew Harry when I worked for the Astros at the Houston Astrodome. He was always friendly, smiling and often dropped by my office before a game, as did his wife, Jasmine. My condolences to thre Kalas family. Phyllis Liscum
John Killilea
February 7, 2018
Harry thanks for all the memories I know you Whitey Andy Musser and By Saam are all together in heaven calling Phillies games Rest in peace and God Bless your soul
rob jannetty
May 25, 2017
harry will always be one of my all-time favorite announcers. i miss him doing the phillies games very much.
How you can show support
Rose D.
July 4, 2016
Harry you are still missed and thought of every day since your passing in 2009 so many years ago. Your voice and friendliness when meeting the phillies fans will never be forgotten. The Phillies will never be able to replace someone like you!!
ALPHONSE DATTOLO
June 2, 2016
I HAVE BEEN A PHILLIES FAN FOR 56 YEARS AND I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT HARRY AND RITCHIE WERE A PART AND WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF MY LIFE. GOD BLESS HARRY AND RITCHIE.RIP.
Harry Simpson
April 13, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Harry, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
JUSTIN PANETTA
February 28, 2015
DEAR HARRY HUSBAND DAD YOU WILL SING GOD BLESS AMERICA AND HIGH HOPES DURING THE STRETCH DURING THE HOME RUNS YOU SAY OUT OF HERE YOU ARE WATCHING DOWN IN HEAVEN WITH MY GRANDFATHER CARMEN COUSIN LISA THOMAS RICCARDO SR UNCLE BUDDY MY GRANDMOTHER SANDY JOYCE ARNOLD TOM DONATO SR JOE JUDGE SR COUSIN VITO GARY HOLT GARY HOLCOMB AUNT LUCY AND UNCLE BOB WE MISSED YOU A LOT OF BASEBALL YOUR WIFE AND SONS
Brian Braslow
September 1, 2014
Harry marked Phillies highs and lows, with his magical voice and his knowledge. Never saying NO to any fan of his or the team. Made him the most loved man in Phillies' history ! April 13, 2009 became the darkest day in team history. A very happy piece of history happened today 1 Sep 2014!
He was there When Veterans Stadium opened and helped in closing it down, He also led the opening ceremonies for Citizens' Bank Park.
2 World Series Championships in 1980 and 2008. We lost our voice said Phillies Preaident David Montgomery and it's more painful on a day like today
But it wasn't quite as wonderful without Harry ! Hope you loved it Harry !! Outta Here !!!
SCOTT BERGERON
April 29, 2014
I WILL MISS HARRY KALAS CALLING THE GAMES WHEN THE GAMES WOULD BE ON FOX 29 I WOULD LOWWER THE TV & LISTEN TO HARRY'S CALLS
SCOTT BERGERON CAMDEN DE
Terry Kalas
May 10, 2013
HARRY KALAS
1936-2009
LOVING HUSBAND
LOVING FATHER
FRIEND TO ALL
October 25, 2012
Just had to say that I'd give anything to have Harry back in the booth. It was such a pleasure to listen to him. He didnn't chatter all the time but told you what you needed to know and then let the game go on. RIP, Harry.
June 8, 2011
I GOT TO SHAKE HANDS WITH HARRY AND GET HIS AUTOGRAPH DURING A BALLGAME IN FLORIDA, HE WAS A WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN AND I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS SMILE AND HANDSHAKE. B.D.G.
Debbie Will
November 4, 2010
The Phillies will never sound the same without your voice saying that all famous line "Its OUTTA HERE!" Harry, you are sooo missed. I know you are watching up in heaven
Barb Pizzo
January 4, 2010
Happy New Year Harry! The Phils couldn't win without you...you are so missed!
Joseph Burgese
January 1, 2010
Hi HARRY
I know ur watchin over philly and of course ur watchin over the PHILLIES thats how the PHILLIES made the WORLD SERIES again i know u will always be watchin over the PHILLIES their is know announcer like u,u r the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PHILLY WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU.
December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas Harry we all still miss you !!
Jody Dunlavey
October 11, 2009
When you watched the game on the tv you heard him.If you were listening to the game with a radio you heard him,and if you listen real hard,while the ball is soaring for a home run hit,you automaticly hear and it's out of here.Go with God speed & Rest in Peace! And to the family my Blessings and Prayers.
September 15, 2009
Going to the ballpark I get to hear your voice. Still not the same listening to the game on Sunday afternoon. Miss ya Harry !!!
Charlene D Collins
June 25, 2009
To the Kalas Family:
For everyone who has had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Kalas's wonderful voice shout over the airwaves, "This ball is out of here.", just know, Harry is not out of here. His powerful vocals will long be heard years and decades from now and will never ever be duplicated. They can't be! On behalf of all the Philly fans, I wish your family many good days ahead.
June 20, 2009
HARRY:
BOY DO THE FANS MISS YOU,THE ANNOUNCERS DOING THE GAMES NOW SEEM SO PLAIN,NO PIZAZZ---TOO DULL---I GUESS YOU ARE TOUGH TO FOLLOW---GREAT MAN,GREAT ANNOUNCER GREAT PHILLY PERSONALITY
Joe O'Donnell
June 20, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Frank McCourt
June 4, 2009
Still Cant believe your gone
miss you very much
Donna Pro
May 29, 2009
it not even a month but feels like an enternity without Harry calling the games. There is one on now but not the same. You are sadly missed now and forever. Hope you are enjoying the game
Dennis Phillips
May 14, 2009
I grew up listen to Harry. I would sit in my parents car at night with the game on. Harry made you feel like you were at the game.
RIP Harry. You will be missed.
Tim Murphy
May 10, 2009
Miss you already, Harry.
May 8, 2009
Basketballs, not crickets, chirp into the night.
Thickets of rowhomes rustle porch dwellers and stoop sitters
into dense lanes.
A sliver of street makes a defiant declaration between 2 rows of parked cars.
A radical breeze appears and then abruptly fades.
Bare elbows resting on bare knees, the traffic light turning red and a burst of
childrens feet running on a sidewalk. Then...
From an open window, a radio on, the working man's opera, that voice calling
a 'Ball Three', finds the exact stitch of the summer's humidity and weaves itself
in, always finding the perfect stitch, becoming some of the sweat on
the brow, always there, wipe it off and then there it is again, garlic bubbling in
tomato sauce, a shriek of hide-and-go-seek, distant sirens, grand-dad's belt unbuckled.
Archaelogists will dig in the future. Perhaps by that time technology will allow
extracting the souls left behind and not just the materials of human existence.
If so, there will be carafts of exquisite scotch, rafts of fine cigars and bottles
of superb wine consumed as the connosieurs of the next century revel in the
majesty of a baseball game called by Harry Kalas on a summer's night.
Its not ours to envy, its theirs.
Mickey Marian
May 7, 2009
Rest in peace Harry........I will miss you so much........You are truly the voiceof the Phillies!!!!
Ed Guertse
May 3, 2009
Thank you Harry for all the exicting moments you given my family and I during every Phillies game we had watched and listened to on the radio. I also would like to thank the Kalas family and the Phillies origination for sharing the first class ceremony with us fans.It was first class all the way and well deserved for you Harry. We will miss you!
Bill C.
May 3, 2009
I would like to thank the Kalas family for allowing us to share their father and husband for so many years. I am sure there were many times you wish that Harry could have been home with you instead of traveling with the fightin Phils, but please know his broadcasts always made even the losses feel special. He said that he loved the fans and I hope he knew we all felt the same towards him. I hope he and Whitey are now calling the angels games in heaven.
Harold Wisman
May 1, 2009
My heart goes out to Harry's sons, Todd and Blaine. Harry my friend, you will be missed by alll of us Phillies fans. We love you and thank you for being "our Voice"
Joyce Budd
April 30, 2009
I so miss hearing the words "coming up, the Baseball Hall of Fame voice of Harry Kalas." Just like Whitey, you will never be replaced but the memories will last forever. I'm sure you two are calling a good game up there in heaven. God bless both of you - Philadelphia loves you and misses you and will never forget you!
Lisa Juhas
April 30, 2009
Still so hard to believe your gone.. its just not the same anymore.. I know your looking down on the beloved Phils and rooting them on.. your spirit will always be with us.. you were a true legend, we were blessed to have you !! RIP Harry K ! You were truly loved !!
April 30, 2009
We Miss You Harry !!!
jeff aberle
April 29, 2009
they might replace harry but the philies games on the radio will never be the same ever ever ever. rest in peace
Jeffrey Kane
April 29, 2009
When I read Harry's World Series Call, it makes me relive the moment. An instant smile comes across my face and a chill to my body. Harry will be and is already greatly missed. Thanks for the memories.
JOHN EMMONS
April 28, 2009
I REMEMBER VISITING RELATIVES ON VACATION
EACH SUMMER AND WATCHING THE PHILLIES AND
LISTENING TO HARRY. IT WILL ALWAYS BE ONE]
OF MY CHERISHED MEMORIES.
'BARBARA 'SHAW
April 27, 2009
HARRY WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE ONE OF MY HEROS HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY, I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT HIS GRAVESITE AND SAY A FINAL GOODBY TO ONE OF MY HEROS.
Pat Hosgood
April 27, 2009
I tries to listen to yesterdays game when I was outside. It just isn't the same. Everyone loved you Harry I hope you knew that before you passed away. My prayers to the Kalas family.
P M
April 27, 2009
You are missed and always will be. Our Philadelphia Phillies now have their own Angels in the outfield, Harry, and Richie. Thank you for the memories. RIP, my prayers to the Kalas family
John
April 27, 2009
My first intro to his magical voice was as ND TV Basketball announcer during the mid 70's. "Bulllllseye Tripucka" He was the only choice to replace John Fucienda as the voice of NFL films. His voice and timing was a gift.
CD
April 26, 2009
:(
Rob Rothstein
April 26, 2009
I met Harry Kalas, Richie Ashburn and a 3rd announcer at an Atlanta's Denny's after a Braves-Phillies game on Labor Day weekend in 1972. He sat with us at the "bar" and was so gracious; just one of the guys and not a celebrity. He entertained me and my friends with alot of cool baseball stories. I was SO impressed with him.....He said he'd call out our names the next day on TV; and he probably did....but we were at the game that Saturday and witnessed Hank Aaron slam career home runs # 660 and 661 to break Babe Ruth's record of most home runs with one team....but the highlight of my weekend was meeting Harry and Richie.
Bruce & Judy Ailiff
April 25, 2009
My family moved from South NJ to Virginia 25 years ago but we took Philadelphia sports with us. Harry was the best baseball announcer and you will be missed.
Maria & Bob Roan
April 25, 2009
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.
Chris and Sally Beaton
April 25, 2009
I grew up in Norhtern Delaware as a Phillies phan. My brother, Rod Beaton, used to be the baseball writer for USA Today and became friends with Harry over the years.
I first met Harry at the Phillies caravan in early 1971, when they visited the DuPont Country Club outside Wilmington (our dad was a DuPont "lifer"). I was impressed with his wit, character, speaking style, and personality, and took the time to autograph my Phillies scrapbook as I wanted it (I was 14 at the time).
I saw him again at the LA Westin after a game in 1989, when I was in LA to see the Phillies, then do a full one-week hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with the Sierra Club. He was eating with "Wheels" and seemd to even remember me from earlier encounters. Great guy.
Since then, Sally and I have become "charter" (first year, 1993) full-81 game Season Ticket holders to the Marlins (I moved to South Florida in 1982 to work for IBM) and among their biggest fans, but I still certainly appreciate all that Harry did for the Delaware Valley!
We are saddened that he is OUTTA HERE! But as Philly Daily News writer Bill Conlin pointed out, he's having a heckuva 18 holes with "Whitey!"
Chris & Sally Beaton, Boca Raton, FL
[email protected]
Brenda Lane
April 25, 2009
Harry Kalas was one of the greatest ever in broadcasting MLB baseball. Phillies broadcasts on radio and TV will never sound the same again. RIP, dear Harry.
Lynn
April 25, 2009
With my deepest sympathy,
God promise that he will wipe out every tear from our eyes in death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
April 24, 2009
Harry, you are so DEARLY MISSED!! Even though I am a transplant, now living in Long Island, New York., my heart will always be Philly bound. My husband will also miss your voice on the "Inside the NFL" show. Thank You Harry for being a true scholar and a true gentleman. We will always have "High Hopes" because of you. May God Bless and Protect the Kalas Family. Donna & Dennis Krepil, Medford, New York
Andrew Dewald
April 24, 2009
HK's voice was the only thing i really had left in the present that reminded me of the time spent growing up in the Philadelphia area as a kid. I spent my summers at the Jersey Shore and in the suburbs watching and listening to Phillies games with my Grandfather. He passed a few years ago, but i always had the ability to listen/watch phillies games and they still sounded just like they did when he was alive. Now that too has passed. RIP HK. That ball is outttta herrrreeee....
-Andy Dewald
Di
April 24, 2009
Harry Kalas was by far the best sports announcer ever. I can remember my father and grandfather listening to him on their transistor radios; they never missed a game. I grew up loving Phillies baseball and loving the voice of the great Harry Kalas. He was more than just the announcer; he was part of the team. Phillies baseball will never be the same. God Bless you Harry!
Peggy Preston
April 24, 2009
He was by far the best sports announcer. I will miss hearing his voice on the Phillies games.
Joanne
April 24, 2009
The Phillies and all of Philadelphia were truly blessed for having Harry in our lives. He was great to listen too. Phillies games will never be the same. He made listening and watching baseball truly enjoyable. His memory will be forever.
C K
April 22, 2009
Dear Kalas family,
What a sad loss for you and, also, for Harry's Philadelphia family. It was a pleasure to listen to him broadcast the Phillies games, especially when he was with his buddy Richie Ashburn. May your and our memories of him put a smile on our faces midst our tears. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart does good like a medicine..."
A M
April 22, 2009
You did Philly proud Mr. Kalas, God Bless You.
Lorraine Urban
April 21, 2009
To the Kalas Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Mr. Kalas was loved by all of the area and will be greatly missed.
Tony Monfre
April 21, 2009
You were a true pro. The voice & insight will be missed. My thoughts go out to your family & fans.
Kevin Lorincz
April 21, 2009
My Afternoon with Harry
Even though I never knew Harry Kalas, I have a Harry story. I have the impression that almost everyone does. When I was a public relations intern with the Philadelphia Eagles in the mid 1990’s, I sometimes got to do stats for visiting or third party radio crews. One of the games I had the privilege of doing was a Westwood One broadcast that featured Harry Kalas as play-by-play and Lou Holtz as the analyst. It was tight quarters in the Vet booths and, as a South Jersey native and Phillies season-ticket holder as a kid, I was ecstatic to sit shotgun with the voice that had provided so much background to my childhood. This same voice determined one of my all-time favorite Phils to be little known 80’s middle reliever Porfi Altamirano, not because of his pitching exploits, but due to his radio introduction.
In the game day program for the contest, I had written an article on Jermane Mayberry and the Eagles’ Eye Mobile he sponsored. Prior to kickoff in the booth, everyone was busy with their pre-game prep and responsibilities. I seized the moment during a break and asked Mr. Kalas if he could please sign my article if it was not too much trouble. “You wrote this article?” he asked. After confirming that I did, he proceeded to read it. I was somewhat shocked, considering time was winding down before kickoff and that this was THE Harry Kalas. I remember feeling as though I was going to get in trouble for taking up his time. After he was done, he told me that it was a very good article and that I should be proud of it. I was. He then slid the program to Coach Holtz, who was understandably busy with his pregame prep. Also a very nice man, Mr. Holtz began to sign the program before being halted by Mr. Kalas. “No Lou,” he said. “You need to sign on this page. Kevin wrote this article.” Lou complied and I was given back what is now my most cherished piece of memorabilia – an Eagles game day program with a Harry Kalas autograph and 1 ½ Lou Holtz’ autographs.
Having worked in sports since my senior year of college 1995, I have learned that meeting your heroes most often results in an anticlimactic exchange. This was not the case with Harry. In my one afternoon sitting beside him in that glorious concrete jungle, he taught me the magnitude that a simple gesture can have. I say this because what Mr. Kalas, nor anyone other than my family and closest friends, could have known was what a difficult personal time I was having. I was living at home with my parents and my mother was terminally ill. The game was in late October and she passed the following month. She deteriorated pretty badly in the end and was under hospice care. The many people that have lived with this reality know the effect it has on your life - it envelopes it, waking you with sadness in the morning and putting you to bed with sadness at night. It’s extremely difficult, and almost downright impossible, to have a good day.
Well, that day I had a good day. It happened because a man I had never met before took a small interest in me, even though he had no reason to. Thank you, Mr. Kalas. Heaven’s baseball team just signed the greatest play-by-play announcer any fan could ever wish for.
Harry Grace
April 21, 2009
I love and miss Harry Kalas! I will never forget Harry Kalas!He is the Greatest!
Lou
April 20, 2009
It has been one week Harry.. we miss you!!!
Denise
April 20, 2009
Our family was so saddened by the news of Harry passing last week...with heavy hearts, it was all we could talk about. The Memorial Tribute for Harry held at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday helped bring comfort to us all. I was able to go and represent our family at the most humbling and touching ceremony. I would like to thank Harry's Family and the whole Philadelphia Phillies Organization with sharing such a beautiful celebration of Harry's life with us, his fans. You will all continue to be in our thoughts as you begin your journey without your husband, father and friend by your side. Thank you for sharing such a special person with us for all those years. Take care...The Hoffman Family from Ocean City, NJ
April 20, 2009
HARRY YOUR THE MAN AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE
MAN, SOME COME AND SOME GO BUT YOU WILL
ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS
Don Lafferty
April 20, 2009
Thanks so much for everything, Harry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBblBEjp2Jc
Steve Skalish
April 20, 2009
Harry influenced me to become a radio broadcaster. I used to tell people as a kid that when I grew up, I wanted to be like Harry Kalas. Somehow, I never could get that golden voice he had. Harry... it was a pleasure to meet you when I had the chance to do so. I will treasure those times always. I will never forget you. My deepest sympathies to the Kalas family.
Barb Pizzo
April 20, 2009
Harry, I will miss you forever! You were the constant in my life. I grew up with you and fell asleep listening to your voice when the Phils played on the West Coast late night games. It will never ever be the same. Today I close a chapter in my childhood. Today I say goodbye to the best broadcaster in baseball history. May God Bless you and your family. I hope and pray you have met up with my Dad in heaven, he loved you as much as I do.
joseph wasilewski
April 20, 2009
Harry Kalas, beloved by many, never to be forgotten, Godspeed my friend.
stu cohen
April 20, 2009
hard to believe...harry was a better person than broadcaster....thanks to the kalas and phillies families for allowing the fans to say goodbye...
Marie and Dick Schmitt
April 20, 2009
Our condolences to the Kalas family. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. To Harry: We will miss you this summer and for summers to come. I grew up listening to your voice each season with the Phillies. You made me love them even when the season was bad. I know Heaven is getting pretty crowded with all the Baseball greats and those not so great...God must've felt it was time to build a couple of teams, and you were The Man he wanted to broadcast the games with Whitey! Love you, miss you, God Bless You!
Rick Walker
April 20, 2009
Even though I pull for the cross-state rivals (Pirates), I have not felt this sad since we lost our beloved Bob Prince.
My sympathies to the Kalas family and Phillies nation. Once-in-a-lifetime voice....RIP,Harry
Kelle & George Thomas
April 20, 2009
Harry, You were one in a million..The game will never be the same without you. We love you and miss you always and forever!! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kalas Family and The Phillies..God Bless You!!!
April 20, 2009
This past week I felt like I lost my father all over again. Some of my fondest memories are going to the Phillies games with my dad and leaving early (because it was past my bed time) and my dad saying, "Don't worry we'll listen to Harry and Whitey in the car" We would drive with the windows open and just listen the whole way home.
Harry, like my dad was a class act. My dad and I loved Harry and Whitey. I hope my dad gets the chance to meet them up there!
Joan Piraino
April 20, 2009
Harry is already missed by many. We had a friend in common, Mickey Vernon, who is also missed. My deepest sympathies go out to your family.
Jean & John
April 20, 2009
Harry, the phillies org. honored you on
saturday, with so many fans,dignateries,
former and current ball players that
really did you proud. You and Whitey must
have been smiling for all the wonderful
things said about you on that day.
Peace be with you.
Patricia Evans
April 20, 2009
To The Kalas Family: I was honored to have met Mr. Harry Kalas right after Citizens Bank Park was built. My late Father was an Operating Engineer, Local 542, and was involved with the construction of the ball park. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kalas and the Phillies manager, Larry Bowa. I was so proud & honored to have met him and shake the hand of such a true legend. I really will not forget the warmth he showed and the true gentleman that he was. My deepest sympathies go out to all of you, and may Harry Kalas live on in all of hearts forever. There will always be a special place in all of our hearts for Harry Kalas. I am sure that my Dad found a new friend in heaven to talk baseball with. God Bless them both.
Michael Straub
April 20, 2009
I grew up listening Harry. He made me love baseball! I remember my brother and i playing baseball video games and i would imitate the great Harry Kalas. I would make my brother be Andy Musser. I loved to hear his voice. I didn't know him but it felt like I did. He will be greatly missed! Harry I loved you and will miss you!
Terry Ringenary
April 20, 2009
I had the opportunity to meet Harry shortly after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. My youngest son was with me, and when he shook Harry's hand, my son said "I wish my Pop knew that I shook the hand of a Hall of Famer". Harry said "You can let him know when you get home". My son then stated that his pop, my dad, had passed away 3 weeks before. Harry took my son's hand and told him that it was OK, your Pop already knows. We grew up listening to Harry, and my granddaughters, 8 and 6 can recite Michael Jack's 500th homerun by heart. Thanks, Harry, for being part of my family!
Emry Place
April 20, 2009
My earlies childhood memories are mostly tied to the Phillies and my grandfather. In my bedroom (supposed to be sleeping) my grandfather and I would listen to the Phils game every night, me in my bed, him sitting on the floor leaning against my bed. Hanging on every word that came from Harry, Whitey, Wheels, and Andy. The only one left (broadcasting) is Wheels. Harry you are already sorely missed. R.I.P. good friend.
Keneeyah Jahnay
April 20, 2009
Harry Kalas you are missed and well respected.
April 20, 2009
We've lost another legend of baseball and football. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Michael Iezzi
April 20, 2009
Father we entrust our brother Harry to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Harry in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
Kathy, Joe, Katie and Joseph Romano
April 20, 2009
We the Romano Family have heavy hearts and send our deepest sympathies to the Kalas Family. A truly loved man and his voice have been taken away forever. Things never stay the same, but this loss is felt all over the country. The announcements of the Phillie's games will never be the same. May God Bless Harry and his family during these difficult times.
This void shall never be filled and Harry's shoes can never be filled. We love you, Harry Kalas and you shall live in our hearts through all the future years.
God Bless You and Your Family Forever. Your devotion to us the Fans and our Phillies is unbeatable! Thanks for taking us down the road to glory with our Philadelphia, Phillies. Your voice and your personality will live on in our Hearts and Minds Forever. We will miss you, but shall never forget you.
Sincerely Your Fans Eternally,
Kathy, Joe, Katie and Joseph
Mary Lou Jefferson
April 19, 2009
In the summer of 2007 I had the pleasure of attending Phillies games in San Diego. The first day there I was wandering the hotel, when who do I come across but Harry Kalas. Not wanting to disturb him I let him be, but looking back I regret that I didn't say hello, my only opportunity to tell him how I have enjoyed him over the years, and how his voice filled all those carefree summers.Phillies games will never be the same without him, may he rest in peace and my prayers are with him and his family at this difficult time.
Thomas
April 19, 2009
May God be with your Family during this time.
Maria M
April 19, 2009
Harry I can say this with the utmost certainty and sincerity - I love you. I have loved you most of my life. I grew up listening to you. No one can replace you. No one ever will. I mourn the loss of you and hope that you are reunited with Whitey and will watch over us. Your faithful fan.
Souder Family
April 19, 2009
Harry - You were a class act. I'm glad I had a chance to meet you. You were more than just "The Voice", you were a gentleman & all things we should look up to. To the Kalas Family, please accept my family's deepest sympathies. RIP Harry!
jane herrmann
April 19, 2009
To the Kalas Family: I can only say that God must have needed an announcer and he got the best. I hope that someone will write a book about Harry. The books would fly right "outta here"! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Valerie Toto
April 19, 2009
Harry thank you for all the wonderful and exciting calls that made every phillies fan feel like they were right there with the team. I am a die hard fan of you and the phillies. I can't imagine how I am going to listen to the game without your voice. I did a Harry Kalas impersonator on the radio during the world series to win tickets to the game. I did not win because there is no one that can duplicate your voice. I will miss you. Rest in Peace. Your voice will always live on in every phillies fan.
DONNA ALDWORTH
April 19, 2009
FLY HIGH ANGEL OVER THE BALLPARK
gerardo batista
April 19, 2009
Thanks for the Memories
tim rocing
April 19, 2009
godspeed harry you were the best
AARON O'DWYER
April 19, 2009
I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HERE ABOUT THE DEATH IN YOUR FAMILY YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS AT THIS TIME OF NEED
Joan
April 19, 2009
To the Kalas Family,
With Deepest Sympathy on the loss of Harry. Phillies baseball will never be the same.
Joy
April 19, 2009
Hello Harry.
Like many, my dad, mom, sister and I grew up listening to your voice. We always watched the Phillies games together. I've been married over 14 years now and my 8 1/2 year old son, husband and I have been watching the games and enjoying your announcing.
The games from here on won't be the same without you. You were such a pleasure to listen to between your pleasant voice and great personality. We have loved having you in our lives and you will be greatly missed. Bet it's awesome for you to be with Whitey again, huh?
Thank you for all of the pleasure you have brought to all of us. You will always be loved and missed so much.
J C
April 19, 2009
I lost a friend this week. A man I never met but a man who touched me personally every baseball season. Summers will not be the same without Harry. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kalas family who have suffered a great loss. Thank you for sharing Harry with me.
Debbie Mischo
April 19, 2009
Harry Kalas joined the Phillies about the time I took and interest in baseball. I would listen to the games every night and meal conversations would be Harry said this or Richie said that. Living in North Jersey, Harry and company were my connection to my beloved Phillies. There are so many "Harry" moments, it is difficult to pick just one. Yesterday, I took so much pride in being a Philadelphian but especially a Phillies fan. A truly wonderful service for a wonderful man. Harry thanks for the memories and helping us get through ALL the Phillies seasons. You will be missed. Say hi to Richie and Tug. I can only imagine what poor St. Peter is going through.
April 19, 2009
Harry,
I grew up listening to you on the radio with my Grand-pop many warm summer nights ago. We all loved you. You made our summers wonderful and you made our lives brighter. I know you are watching over us all, you are an Angel in Heaven. God Bless You Harry.
Sincerely,
Linda Creech-Philadelphia
Mary Pileggi
April 19, 2009
To the Kalas family and the Philadelphia Phillies Organization,
Thank you for the privilege of sharing Harry with all of us. The outpouring of emotions of the most critical fans in baseball has shown that Philadelphia truly is the City of Brotherly Love and Harry will always remain in our hearts. We are all blessed to have experienced his talents and will miss him dearly.
lori baxter
April 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Liz McCullough
April 19, 2009
On our 25th wedding anniversary, we went to Hawaii to celebrate and Harry was the host along with Jay Johnstone on the trip. What a wonderful time we had and Harry was the greatest. Liz McCullough
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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