Robert C. “Bobby” Morgan, former University of the Sciences athletic director and renowned basketball coach, died in Philadelphia on July 18, 2025 at the age of 89. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Bobby was a graduate of West Philadelphia High School. After completing two years active duty in Korea with the US Army 101st Airborne Division, Bobby served in the Army Reserves for 6 years. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Drexel Institute of Technology and his master’s degree from Temple University. He and his beloved wife, Barbara (nee Kenny) settled in Swarthmore, PA where they’ve resided for over sixty years.
Bobby played basketball at Drexel University of Technology, now Drexel University, from 1958-1961. He scored 944 points and averaged 17.9 points per game, the fourth highest in Drexel basketball history. Morgan also ranks tenth on Drexel’s all-time free throw percentage list with a 75.7% average and was a Third Team Small College All-American in 1961. He earned Middle Atlantic Conference MVP honors three times and was a member of the Herb Good All Small College Basketball team in 1959, 1960 and 1961 earning himself MVP in his final season. He was drafted by both Detroit and Chicago in the ABA. Before beginning his career with Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, Bobby served as an assistant coach to the late Sam Cozen at Drexel from 1962-1968.
Morgan joined the athletic staff at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science as its men’s basketball coach in 1968, guiding the team through the 1998-1999 season. In 1977 he was named athletic director, a position he held for 34 years before he stepped down in 2011. During that time, Morgan oversaw the growth of the athletic department with the addition of women’s programs at the institution in the late 1970s and 80s, to its transition from NAIA to active NCAA Division II membership by the year 2003. USciences’ active NCAA membership coincided with the opening of its new Athletic Recreation Center and its 1,000 seat basketball arena. The arena was christened the Robert C. “Bobby” Morgan Arena in honor of his longtime success as men’s basketball coach.
Morgan’s record during his 31 seasons at the school was 598-250 for a winning percentage of 70.5 percent. His total wins and winning percentage rank him amongst the top-10 winningest coaches in NAIA history. Morgan was named NAIA District Coach of the Year eight times. He guided his teams to four NAIA National Tournament berths in the 1990’s. His success earned him a spot in the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2004, his fifth Hall of Fame induction.
In addition to this NAIA Hall of Fame accolade, Morgan was inducted into the Drexel University Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science Hall of Fame in 1994. In 1997, Morgan was one of 20 players named to the Drexel University All-Millenium Team. Morgan was also elected to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame – Delaware County Chapter in 2002 as a player, a coach and for his accomplishments in the national Golden Gloves tournament. He was also recognized as a coach on USciences’ All-Millennium Team in 2008 and as part of the 2009 Basketball Legends Class by the Colonial Athletic Association for his accomplishments as a player at Drexel University.
Bobby was preceded in death by his son, Robert “Chris” Morgan, in 2022. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara; daughters Michelle Curry (Dave) of Churchville, PA and Lisa Zimmerman (Joe Dufrayne) of Swarthmore, PA; and 6 grandchildren David Curry (Michele), Danielle Cass (Matt), Matt Curry (Amanda), Kyle Curry (Kristen), Ashley Zimmerman, and Megan McLaughlin (Paul). He is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren David, Bianca, Lucas, Lilly, Matt, Charlotte, Morgan, and Penelope.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours from 5-8 pm Wednesday evening, July 30th, at Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home, 15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063. Burial at Washington Crossing National Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army. give.salvationarmyusa.org
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