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Nellie King Obituary
King's death was confirmed by Duquesne University, where he worked from 1975-92 as the sports information director. He also served as golf coach, publicity director for the Eastern Eight Conference — the forerunner of the Atlantic 10 — and announced men's basketball games.
The school said that King died of health problems that included colon cancer and pneumonia.
The 6-foot-6 right-hander grew up in Hershey, Pa., and had modest success as a pitcher for the Pirates. He went 7-5 while appearing in 95 games from 1954-57, all but four as a reliever.
After his playing career ended, King became a broadcaster in suburban Pittsburgh at the urging of former Pirates publicist Jack Berger. In 1967, he was hired to work alongside Bob Prince and Jim Woods as a club's announcer.
After Woods left to replace Harry Caray in St. Louis in 1970, King and Prince worked as partners until Prince's ouster in 1975 led the Pirates to also fire King.
The duo was a contrast in styles — Prince was loud and colorful, King was soft-spoken and an expert interviewer — but they worked well together on broadcasts that beamed to much of the East Coast on 50,000-watt KDKA radio. Their firings angered numerous Pirates fans, and about 15,000 turned out for a downtown parade urging the team to rehire Prince and King.
The team later acknowledged the firings were a major mistake that alienated countless longtime fans, and although Prince came back briefly in 1985 before dying that year, King never returned to the Pirates' broadcast booth on a full-time basis.
He did spend 24 seasons working with announcer Ray Goss on Duquesne basketball games, and last year wrote the book "Happiness Is Like a Cur Dog," which mostly recounted his baseball memories. The title came from an expression used by former general manager Branch Rickey.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
106 Entries
David McCombe
August 7, 2011
Still miss you Nellie. Will think of you forever.
Renae Goysich
May 22, 2011
I still miss my favorite dance partner, and dear friend.
May 21, 2011
Laurie, Leslie, and Amy, I was so surprized to find out your father had passed away. I remember how kind both your parents were to me. I have wonderful childhood memories playing at your home. God Bless! Dina Costabile Youngblood
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MEMORY ETERNAL!
How you can show support
Tim Sauvain
August 26, 2010
We were in Pittsburgh on 8/14. What were the chances we would look at the obits!What a memory jodger to see Mr. King in the Gazette. He and the gunner brought my wife and I such pleasure in their broadcasts. Go Roberto. After reading all the entries on the guest book, I see Mr. King was much more than a gifted announcer, a gentleman in the true sence of the word. Thank you for all the pleasure you gave us. Our Cleveland team was terrible for so many years so a weekend in Pittsburgh to see the great Bucs teams was such a treat. THANK YOU MR. KING
David McCombe
August 23, 2010
Nellie was the nicest and kindest person i have met. I truly enjoyed my visits to see him on thursday evenings at Friendship Village. We talked alot about the book he was writing and i bought and he signed a lot for me. All my friends enjoyed his book and his stories. May God Bless his remaining family.
Anita Peterson Williams
August 23, 2010
Laurie, Leslie, Amy, and families ~ Although I never met your father, I met the three of you back when we were all in elementary school. You'd visit your aunt and uncle (I believe that's the relationship), Emma and Al Sincavage, in the summers. The corner of their property and my parents' property met. I remember the summer evenings when Emma and Al would be on their front porch listening to the Pirates games and your father announcing. They were so proud of him! I am so sorry for your loss, as it is a great one. May you find strength and comfort in all the wonderful memories you share and in knowing that he was so loved by so many. My sympathies to you all.
Carol Manz
August 20, 2010
To Amy and Family,
I met Nellie in my days as a Duquesne Duchess...Amy and I played basketball together there. Great family, great man. I am so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy to you all.
Carol (Burchlaw) Manz and Family
Bob Dilts
August 16, 2010
We were always thrilled at Milton Hershey School (Hershey Industrial School) when our alumni brother Nellie King was coming home to speak to us back in the early 1950s--a shining example of what we might do with our lives.
It was really special since Hershey was pretty much Phillies territory.
May he rest in peace and God bless his family.
Marlene Buccione
August 15, 2010
Going to the Pirate games with my dad, listening to Nellie King and Bob Prince recreate each play holds wonderful memories. The passing of this gifted, remarkable man closes another chapter of a wonderful childhood! Thanks and God Bless you Nellie!! My deepest condolences to Bernie, Laurie, Leslie and Amy.
Rosemary Barger
August 15, 2010
I well remember listening to the Pirate games with my dad and hearing Nellie and Bob. Please accept my condolences.
Patti Ward
August 15, 2010
I remember many Pirate games listening to Nellie and Bob Prince though I wasn't very old then. My condolences to his family and friends.
August 15, 2010
Many of my childhood memories include Pittsburgh Pirate games...Bob Prince and Nellie King. Trying to talk to my kids about those "good" times makes them laugh...we who were lucky enough to be part of them know how wonderful they were. Thanks and God Bless You Nellie. My deepest condolences to your family.
Carol Pawlinski, Naples, FL
August 14, 2010
Dear Bernie, Laurie, Leslie and Amy,
I remember your dad with a great deal of fondness. He was a man who radiated kindness and gentleness. My dad was proud to be a friend of Mr King's. They shared many stories and many laughs over the years. Our family was privileged to be part of your lives, and we, along with all of Pittsburgh and the sport of baseball, are diminished by his loss.
With sincere sympathy and love-
Laura (Lupovitz) Horowitz
A. Fan
August 14, 2010
I was a young man when I listened to Nellie King and Bob Prince call the Pirate games from Forbes Field. May God Bless Him and comfort his family.
william kelly
August 14, 2010
king family, i want to send my condolence to family on behalf of nellie. tok a bus trip with him to b'more in '94. he was a kind gentleman who entertained me with his stories. also i remember him leaving our group to buy what i rmember was a bird house for his daughter. i hope she still has that bird house. ur dad was afine person.
Mike Dugan
August 14, 2010
As a 7 year old boy I was lucky enough to have his 1955 Topps baseball card.
In the mid 1980's as a young man I remember writing Nellie and he honored my request with his autograph.
Now in my early 60's I take time to reflect how great life is and those people around us.
Nellie's contributions to the game of baseball will be remembered.
May God bless your family in the days ahead!
William and Carolyn Stough
August 14, 2010
To Laurie,Leslie,Amy and Bernadette, We are so saddened by the news of Nellie's death. Leslie and Amy were and are such good friends of our girls. All the girls send their sympathies especially Susan,Connie and Chrissi. Nellie was a great person and friend to our family. He was also a great broadcaster and we have many memories of listening to the Pirates' games on radio with he and Bob Prince. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you today and always. Love, Carolyn and Bill Stough and family
Mark Skolnicki
August 13, 2010
Laurie, Leslie & Amy:
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I have some wonderful memories of your father but my favorite one has to be getting to “go to work” with him one summer day in the early 1970’s. Seeing some of my childhood heroes in the dugout at Three Rivers Stadium while they practiced and then getting to see them play from your father’s vantage point as he called the game, was an incredible thrill for me as a kid; getting to hear your father’s wonderful voice in person before his words traveled across the radio airways – the very same voice of our friendly neighbor, Mr. King, who also happened to be the same voice that I and many, many others listened to while following countless Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games over the years – was priceless. I will keep you and your mother in my thoughts and in my prayers during this sad time.
Bill Gunderman
August 13, 2010
I want to extend my sympathy and condolences to your family and your many friends on behalf of the surviving members of the Hershey Industrial School (Milton Hershey School) class of 1945. You were truly one of our best known and finest members.
Art Humphreys
August 13, 2010
I express my condolences to the King family in their loss of Nellie. I first remember him with the Pirate teams of the mid-50's, when they had a better basketball team - with Dick Groat, the O'Brien twins, Dick Hall, and Nellie - in the off season, than they had a baseball team. To compile a 7-5 record with those teams was an accomplishment. I met Nellie when he was the SID at Duquesne, through Sean Doherty, rest his soul, and my daughter, Ann Smeltzer, whom Nellie helped get on the stats staff for the basketball teams, a position she still enjoys. I last saw Nellie over Christmas, when I had him autograph his book for my grandson, Joey Smeltzer, and later took him pictures of Joey opening the present, spending about an hour with him then. Nellie was a fine gentleman and was always fun to be around, hearing his stories of the old Pirate days. I shall miss him.
August 13, 2010
My heart felt condolences and best wishes to the King family.
Thomas Murphy
North Side
Michael Cannon
August 13, 2010
My condolences to the King family. Nellie and Bob Prince made listening to the Pirate games more fun when I was growing up.
Hap McAllister
August 13, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to the King Family at their time of great loss & sorrow. Nellie was an inspiration in his public, as well as his private life. He shall be remembered in my prayers.
Sally O'Leary
August 13, 2010
How lucky those of us in the Pirate organization were to have Nellie King - as a player - a broadcaster - and as a friend. I personally enjoyed a special friendship with Nellie. He was always available to answer a question. When I first started to work in the PR department for the Pirates in 1964 I needed a lot of help - and he was always there. He accepted speaking appearances (many times for no fee), participated in autograph sessions, granted interviews, shared memories - and he had a ton of those!
He helped me move a couple of times - he came to my home town of Sheffield in the dead of winter for sports banquets and people there have never forgotten him. He showed up at funerals for my family. As recently as last December he left his sick bed and using his walker, accompanied by dear friends, paid his condolences to me on the loss of my sister. What does that say about a friend?
He was a compassionate man - charitable - and honest. And that says nothing about his courage, especially these last several years when he battled so many health situations. Nellie fought the good fight.
His many stories have made their way into our lives forever. His recall of things that happened years ago was astounding. Nellie had compiled all of these stories in his little black book for years and his one big wish was that he could write a book. That was another struggle, trying to get it published. But thanks to his three daughters Laurie, Leslie and Amy - the book was published just last year. Everyone who wants to know the real Nellie King has to read "HAPPINESS IS LIKE A CUR DOG."
There is a huge void in our lives today because Nellie has left us here on earth but he is at peace and we are grateful for that. I know he is continuing his stories in heaven with all of his friends and former teammates, broadcasters and whoever will listen. And if the Lord is looking for someone to do play by play today Nellie can join his buddy The Gunner and start a whole new career.
Thank you for being my friend Nellie - may you rest in peace.
Peggy Giesen
August 13, 2010
Dear Amy,
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. May your loving memories comfort you at this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 13, 2010
My heart is saddened, deepest sympathies to the family, God bless Nellie...Mr. and Mrs. Mike Poulich (Greensburg, Pa)
Cathy Rudzinski
August 13, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the family of a great human being with such a great sense of humor. Enjoy Nellie, especially as an announcer. Thank you for sharing him and allowing him to be part of all our lives. RIP You are all in our prayers
Mike Lustri
August 13, 2010
To Nellie's Family:
We will miss Nellie very much. He was one of the guys I looked up to at Duquesne. My thoughts and prayers are all with you.
Tammy Steele
August 12, 2010
Dear Mrs. King, Laurie, Leslie and Amy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you all. From one of your Greensburg neighbors.
Chris S.
August 12, 2010
My condolences to Nellie King's family and friends. He was a good man. Sincerely, (native of Pgh.)
August 12, 2010
Nellie was the first person to welcome us to James Place when we moved there November 1997. When I complained that I did not want building of additional homes on James Place, he said if he won the lottery he would buy the land and no one would be able to build on this beautiful dead-end street. When we had no phone for a day or two upon moving into James Place, he offered us his cell phone, but cautioned us not to call Alaska - Ha!!! He was a gentleman's gentleman, always soft spoken and always sharing such good stories of days in baseball. When he and his wife moved from James Place, we were glad we were at work, because we felt we could not tolerate the loss. Our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, daugthers, granddaughters, and all who loved and knew him. Rest in peace good neighbor.
Mary McCreary
August 12, 2010
To the family of Nellie King: I am a resident of Friendship Village, and always wished I had gotten to know Nellie. I did see him when we were both in therapy. What a delightful man as he interacted with others in the room.
When I read the article in the newspaper, I was interested to see that he was born in Shenandoah, PA. My father also was born and grew up in Shenandoah, and his father, also. My father was born in 1899. His father, my grandfather, owned and operated a Stationery Store on Centre Street/Ave.
My father's sister later took over the store until it was sold in the 1980's.
As a child, our family visited Shenandoah every summer, and I was fascinated by all the differences there were from where I lived in the mountains of Virginia.
Most of all, I want to send my condolences to your family as you have fond memories of Nellie and will miss him, I'm sure.
With sympathy and prayers,
Mary McCreary
August 12, 2010
Nellie named me his first captain of Duquesne's Golf Team in 1985 - we spent many hours walking, talking and playing. I'll miss pasta lunches at Piccolo Piccolo and I'll miss his stories . . . all of those great stories!! Nellie always told us not to be big shots, to be humble, and to let go of bitterness. He lived every day over the last 25 as if it was his last. The Duquesne family lost its greatest champion on Tuesday. I'll miss you so much Nellie - I thank God that our lives intersected.
Mike Reimer - Gibsonia.
August 12, 2010
After working 20 years as a sports writer/editor and 17 years with Nellie King as a member of Duquesne University's men's basketball stats crew, I'd have to say that he was the classiest and most selfless sports personality I ever met. I'll never forget him. My deepest sympathy goes out to the King family. May one of the truly good guys in western Pennsylvania sports rest in peace.
-- Tom Spudic (New Castle, PA)
Renae Goysich
August 12, 2010
I met Mr King at the end of his life journey, I was one of his nurses. I have to say that he is one of the sweetest, kindest, and most genuine men I have ever known. Although he was in almost constant pain and had several health issues of his own, he never missed an opportunity to console other patients and try to ease the suffering of others. I truly fell in love with his wonderful spirit, and I will greatly miss him. Goodbye to my favorite dance partner!
Renae
Susan Molnar Higgins
August 12, 2010
Dear King Family,
Our family is so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother also this summer, who was Nellie's 1st cousin, Catherine (Miles) Molnar. Their mothers were sisters. We regret we never met him, and we are so proud as we have many talented baseball players within our own families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue (Shaffer) Caspari
August 12, 2010
Mrs. King, Laurie, Leslie and Amy - I remember your father as such a kind, kind man. I remember we were always welcome to hang out at your place (in that little cubby off the garage?) on James Place when we were walking home from Markham school. Nice memories! Ironically our dad also passed this week from cancer and his service is also on Saturday here in Mt. Lebanon. Sincere condolences from all the Shaffers go out to your family at this time.
Bob & Mary Ann Pflumm
August 12, 2010
Dear King Family,
Your husband/father was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We enjoyed the many conversations we had with him at Palumbo at the Duquesne games.
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam,
And for a brief moment, it's glory and beauty belong to our world.
But then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed,
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Author Unknown
Rest in peace, Nellie
Willard Ramph Jr.
August 12, 2010
Nellie was a cousin of mine who I never got to meet. I always admired him while I was growing up. I used to tell all my friends that my cousin was a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. My deepest sympathy to the family.
God Bless & may Nellie RIP
Kenna Given
August 12, 2010
So many of my summer afternoons of my childhood were spent listening to Nellie King & Bob Prince do the play-by-play of the Pirates games at Three Rivers. Bob Prince was a hoot and Nellie King was, and always will be, a gentleman who loved the game. My sincere condolences go to Mr. King's family and many friends.
August 12, 2010
King Family,
Our deepest sympathy to the King Family. Nellie was a true Pittsburgh legend and a dear friend of Metropolitan Window Company.
God Bless all of you,
John and Maggie Schmotzer
Linda D'Eramo
August 12, 2010
Dear Lori, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. Sincerely, Linda D'Eramo
Heidi Narr
August 12, 2010
To the King Family,
My sincere sympathies go out to all of you during this sad and difficult time. I pray to the FATHER that Nellie can now Rest in Peace and that the memories of time shared with you all can comfort you today and in the future. The Pirates family was blessed to have Nellie in their fold and the city graced with his presence. God Bless You all now and always. Thank you for sharing your Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend with us all. With love and hugs, Heidi xoxo
Keith
August 12, 2010
I'll always remember his pleasant broadcasting voice and his wonderful outlook on life. Such a classy gentleman. He brought joy to so many when broadcasting the Pirate games.
My sympathies to his family. I'm sure he will be missed greatly.
The Tanos
August 12, 2010
Our deepest sympathy and heart felt prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Nellie King.
Joe Negri
August 12, 2010
Dear Bernedette,
I would like to extend to you and the King family my deepest sympathies on the loss of Nellie .
I had not seen him much in recent years .. but, we used to run into one another quite a bit at one time in our lives.
He was such a loving and fun guy .. I always enjoyed our little meetings . He and I went back to the glory days of the 1960 Pirates . I was in broadcasting at the time and our paths crossed often. I will always remember him with a smile and a laugh....... He was the best ......
Melissa King Grice
August 12, 2010
So sorry for your loss...I too am a King and my family came from there. Would love to check our family tree!!!
Howard Weisz
August 12, 2010
Ann & I are deeply saddened to learn of Nellie's passing. We extend our sincere condolences to Bernadette, Laurie, Leslie & Amy.
Nellie was simply a gem - a gracious gentleman of the highest order. Fondly remember when he knocked on our door to welcome us as new neighbors on James Pl. I can still hear the basketball dribbling at the street hoop he installed for his girls and our son, Gregg, to play. Of course, he was usually the leader of the pack!
Our innermost thoughts are with each of you.
Jim Rooker
August 12, 2010
What a great friend and gentleman. You will be missed pal.
Mindy Lascheid
August 12, 2010
Many thanks to Nellie for your "Shining Star" support gave to the community and as a friend to my father. I know my father is happy to be with you!! and welcoming you with a song on the golden keys that you very well deserve. Thoughts of peace and healing to the King family.
Mindy Lascheid
Michael Anitori
August 12, 2010
When I was a boy growing up listening to Nellie as he broadcast Pirates games, I never knew that I would get to work with him closely while I was a student basketball manager at Duquesne. I still can hear him spinning yarns about his days in pro baseball while we sat on long bus trips for Dukes road games. Long after I graduated, whenever I would see Nellie around town, he always remembered me and that made me feel special. I am blessed to have known such a "gentle man" and a gentleman.
CONNIEANN DIVINCENZO-KERNS
August 12, 2010
Nellie was a very special man.My deceased parents Adam and Mary Divincenzo really admired him.
I was grateful to him for inviting my Band Front from Franklin Regional to entertain at Duquesne games during the 80's.
Condolences to the entire family and have peace in knowing that you were related to a true GENTLEMAN.
CONNIEANN DIVINCENZO-kERNS
Bill Smith
August 12, 2010
August 12, 2010
Many prayers to the King family. We knew each well for many years of Nellie's association with Iron City. What a guy, God speed to heaven.
Bill Smith
Jim Nagy
August 12, 2010
Deepest sympathy to Nellie's family. Here's a memory from way back: In 1958, we played a Greater Pittsburgh League exhibition game for a benefit in Dormont. Nellie, wearing his Pirate uniform No. 29, came out of retirement to pitch for an all-star team against Dormont. Before his first pitch, he motioned to the outfielders to move back. When he came to bat, he picked up a Duke Snider model and said that this guy used to hit me pretty good. He then rapped a single to right field. Nellie said that he never had a hit in the Majors, but on that day, he had a hit wearing a Pirate uniform. Nellie had a short Pirate career, but just making it to the Majors was a great accomplishment.
Jim Nagy, Mt. Washington Indians '58
Victoria'Andrew VZj
August 12, 2010
thanks for all the
great memories'Nellie'
As our condolences are
sent out to the King family~
In memory of NellieKing rest in peaceful eternal light~
August 12, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the King family during this difficult time. We have many happy memories of our years as neighbors on James Place.
The Press Family
Art Swanson
August 12, 2010
Nellie and I were team mates with the Pirates in 1957, and I remember him as a wonderful guy, funny, thoughtful and always willing to help. I send my deepest condolences to his family
Charles/Lorette Dean
August 12, 2010
We were your neighbors in Greensburg for four years and our three children played with Laurie, Leslie and Amy.When Nellie and the Pirates came to NYC, we'd meet for lunch or at Shea stadium. He allowed my children on the field at Shea to meet the Pirates--a once in a lifetime memory.Nellie was one of those cherished few who made you feel like you were the most important thing in his life at that moment. His humor,humility,and good spirit were an inspiration to all.As one of my Greensburg friends said..."If you didn't love Nellie,then there's something wrong with you". Lorette and I will pray for Nellie and his family.
August 12, 2010
Nellie King and Bob Prince were Pittsburgh baseball. I can remember listening to the Pirate games in my backyard while having our family picnics. We could skip school and go the games for a buck and see the great Roberto Clemente, those memories will
never fade buy only become more important as time goes on. Mr. Prince and Mr. King's voices were always in the background and became a part of our summers. I am now a Florida resident, but born and raised in Pittsburgh and it will always be home and Mr. King will always be a big part of very fond memories. May God keep you in His Care, Godspeed Mr. King.
Donna
Paul Slonac
August 12, 2010
I was lucky enough to have played golf for Nellie at Duquesne. Although I only played for a short time he was a great influence on me. He also remembered all his players. I ran into him a few years later at Penn State during the PIAA State Championship. As soon as he saw me he remembered who I was gave me a big hug, and asked how my family was. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Jan Shuster
August 12, 2010
Rest in Peace Nellie, you were a Pittsburgh Icon. Your family moved to Greensburg and Laurie was in my first grade class and we became friends. Somehow my father knew and played golf with some of the Pirates and your dad. They came to our house and met all the kids in the neighborhood. My father recently passed away and I know what you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kevin Ledoux
August 12, 2010
Thanks for the memories. A summer picnic just wasn't complete without a transistor radio tuned to KDKA and the great broadcasting team of King and Prince.
Ray Allen
August 12, 2010
Sympathy & kindest regards to the King family & all who share so very many special memories wherever they may be.
Nellie was one class act whom we will never forget. Take care.
Scott Kulp
August 12, 2010
I played with Mr. King in the Second mile golf tournament at Penn State in 1992. It was very nice to hear his stories about the Pirates and many other players. He was an extremely nice man. My condolences
Jones Family
August 12, 2010
Our family sends our sincere condolences to you. May your memories bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
(2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
Tom and Carol Welch
August 12, 2010
Dear Mrs. King and Girls,
What a wonderful person we have lost. His patience, gentleness, and compassion will be remembered by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Carole
August 12, 2010
You filled many of my childhood evenings with fun and excitement. Rest in Peace and God be with your family.
harry & vicki maxwell
August 12, 2010
mr king thank you for all of your charitable work and thank you for all of those summer nights of hearing your voice coming out of my radio.bless you and your family
Bob Bainter
August 12, 2010
Sorry for your loss. I still have my Nelson King Topps baseball card. If that is Harry "Suitcase" Simpson who signed the guest book, please tell him i still have his KC Athletics baseball card. Memories of childhood. Did not know Mr. King's full legacy. Happy to read he led a full life, and Keith Olbermann provided a nice tribute last nite on his show.
August 12, 2010
the king family I knew mr. king for only a short time thru my wife at work where mr. king was living I visited with him on a few occasions listening to his stories of old savoring hearing about the old days of pirate history and his experiences in life and with the team. his book was a joy to read and i can honestly say that I will miss his friendship that we had in such a short time. I looked forward to the next time that I would be able to visit and hear him tell more stories of years gone by. my wife Renae spoke so very highly of mr. king and enjoyed every moment she spent with him and will miss his greatly . my God bless your family in this time David Goysich
Kirk Dodson
August 12, 2010
Condolences to all the members of the King family. I had the great fortune of once having lunch with Nellie back in the early 1990s. At the time, I was working in public relations for Mercy Hospital and through a colleague who knew Nellie arranged for the three of us to have lunch. It was a day I will always remember. Having grown up a Pirates fan in central Pennsylvania, Nellie King along with Bob Prince were the Bucs to me. As a young boy and adolescent, I listened everyday as these two men became heroes for me by bringing my baseball heroes to life in the most unique and colorful ways imaginable. Nellie King was in person just as he was on radio - a gentleman. This past Christmas, I was presented with a copy of his book "Happiness is Like a Cur Dog" as a gift and I loved it! In turn, I have given copies as gifts to others whom, like me, grew up listening to Nellie King. Thank you, Nellie for all of the memories and for that lunch which made me feel like a kid again. Rest in peace and know that there are thousands of us out here who will keep your memory alive every time we tell our children and one day our grandchildren, "When I was a boy, we had Bob Prince AND Nellie King; now they were something..."
MARK J. PENTLAND
August 12, 2010
TO THE ENTIRE KING FAMILY, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. TAKE SOLACE IN THE FACT THAT YOU ONLY NEEDED ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE NELLIE......CLASS!!! HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS & IN MY PRAYERS.
Henrietta Williams
August 12, 2010
To the family of Nellie King. I wanted to express my condolence to the family because I am deeply concerned about the sorrow you are experiencing. A scripture that has helped to bring me comfort is Job 14:14,15. He asked a question "If a man die, can he live again?" Hear the promise Jehovah God has made. "He will call; the dead will answer." They shall live at his command. For he will have a longing for the work of his own hand.
So have faith and be strong for it is only our God Jehovah that can make us stand. I hope in some way this has brought you a measure of comfort as it has done for me.
Sara Joe
August 12, 2010
Sincere condolences are extended to the Nellie King family. I had the grand opportunity to attend my 1st ever Pirates game in 1978 because of the kindness extended by Nellie through his daughter and my then Duquesne Univ School of Pharmacy classmate, Leslie King. Thereafter, every time I saw Mr. King , he'd always take the time to speak and chat briefly with me. A very classy man and family-the entire community shares your loss. God's speed!
Jackie Bobnick
August 12, 2010
My sympathy to the King family.It was always a pleasure listening to Nellie on the radio. May he rest in peace.
George Bertha
August 12, 2010
Thanks for the memories, Nellie! Rest In Peace old friend.
Kevin Ervin
August 12, 2010
To the King family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was too young to know Nellie as a player or broadcaster and learned of him from my Pap after seeing him on a commercial for the old Country Ford dealership on Route 51. I learned about Nellie as a player, broadcaster, and as a man after that and felt fortunate to hear Nellie on tv broadcasting our Buccos during the last Pirates game at Three Rivers Stadium in 2000. Thank you for your years of service Mr. King!
anna marie ohare
August 12, 2010
This candle is lit in the memory of Nellie King
Vito Capaccio
August 11, 2010
In the 1970's I was trying to help my parish carnival. I made a call to Mr King
KDKA broadcaster could he come to St Michael's on the south side and sign autographs. He came talked on the pa system, sign autographs he was awesome. and giving..never asking for anything just giving. It was my first attempt at pr. he made me look much better than I was. I will never forget him and how great he was.
BRH
August 11, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Harry Simpson
August 11, 2010
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Bob Milie Jr
August 11, 2010
To the King family,
Nellie was a first class person and consummate gentleman who is fondly remembered from the Duquesne years. My parents held him in high regard, and I know my father enjoyed his company on Dukes basketball road trips. I enjoyed listening to his Pirate anecdotes as well. He will be sorely missed.
August 11, 2010
It was an honor and a pleasure to get to know Nellie. I loved talking to him. My condolences to his family. He will be greeted warmly in a higher "League". A Mercy Hospital Employee
Missy
August 11, 2010
My deepest condolences are with you at this time of need. Know that god
feels your pain as well. Go to him in prayer and he will comfort you very
much.
Andy
August 11, 2010
My condolences to Nellie's family. He was a special person.
Sabrina Orlansky
August 11, 2010
My mother-in-law and Nellie were friends, and I met him once, and what an honor it was. The Orlansky Family will miss him, and our prayers are with his loved ones, friends and fans.
Henrietta Murray
August 11, 2010
Mrs. King and family, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your Husband and father. I met you all while staying at Schenley Gardens; I worked the receptionist desk at night. It was always such a pleasure to speak to you both.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Author Unknown
My Prayers and Condolences go out to you and your family. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
Blair Tarr
August 11, 2010
My sympathy to the King family . . . Nellie was another in amazing line of Pittsburgh sportscasters that made the games fun, and certainly, Pirate broadcasts were never quite the same after Nellie and the Gunner left.
Jimmy Carothers
August 11, 2010
My Sympathy goes out to the King Family. I live at the Jersey Shore now, and I get the MLB Baseball package just so I can watch our bucco's. But the Hay day was Bob Prince and Nellie King. I called them the "Royals" (Prince and King), as a kid growing up in Point Breeze. I sure had a lot of enjoyable times listening with my pals, to 'ol "Nellie" call the bucco games. Even when we lost, it was exciting. Thank You Nellie, for being a big part of growing up in Pittsburgh !
Jane Ellen Keenan
August 11, 2010
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Amy, Laurie and Leslie for the loss of your father. I know how much he will be missed and how much he was loved.
Tim Murray
August 11, 2010
I had the great fortune of meeting Mr. King when my father was president of Duquesne University. I can make two assertions without fear of contradiction: a more decent man has never graced Western Pennsylvania, and a piece of an era went with him today. We should not mourn for Nellie King; we should instead mourn for a wonderful era that has all but passed away. The mills have stopped sprewing their smoke; Forbes Field is just a piece of a wall; and the great Pittsburgh characters, like Myron Cope, Vic Cianca, and Art Rooney, are all gone. But, Pittsburgh, console yourself with the knowledge that tonight, for the first time in 35 years in some grand broadcast booth in the sky, perhaps overlooking a Field of Dreams, a kind and melodious voice will introduce his partner with the raspy-edged voice, and Nellie King and Bob Prince will be reunited to call the action on the field for eternity.
Joe
August 11, 2010
Pirates baseball was never the same without him.
August 11, 2010
NELLIE...YOU REMIND ME OD HOW GOOD EVERYTHING USED TO BE,SAY HI TO THE GUNNER FOR ME.YOU WERE A FINE HUMAN BEING..JACK WHEELER
Tom Casti
August 11, 2010
One of my fondest memories of Bucco Baseball is when Nellie & the Gunner did a live broadcast of a game from the centerfield grandstand – and my wife & I got to sit right behind them. They shook hands with most of the crowd & provided a lot of autographs (which we still have). Flash cameras going off & babushkas waving - what a great time in the history of Pirates Baseball.
To Bernadette & the girls - I'm deeply sorry for your loss. May God bless you & grant you peace, in your time of grief.
Bill McGann
August 11, 2010
Deepest sympathy and prayers to the King family. I have fond memories not only from all the Pirate games I listened to Mr. King do, but also of his humor and class as the emcee of our annual Little League banquet in Natrona Heights for many years. I still have the baseball he signed for me in 1968. Rest in peace Nellie.
Tom Allridge
August 11, 2010
A good golf coach but a great man... Tell Roberto pittsburgh said Hi..peace...Tom
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