Baseball | February 8, 2022

La Salle University and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics mourns the loss of Gene McDonnell '55, who passed away at his Florida home recently.  

McDonnelll was considered one of the sharpest baseball minds in the Philadelphia area, and began coaching at La Salle in 1959 and, until his first retirement in 1988, he amassed a 430-352-8 record (.549), including 22 winning seasons.

Under McDonnell, the Explorers made their first NCAA playoff appearance in 1964, captured the Big 5 baseball titles in 1965 and 1966, and finished second in NCAA East Regional in 1985 - one game away from the College World Series.  That same year, he was voted NCAA East Region Coach of the Year and Diamond Baseball Coach of the Year in 1985.

He returned to coach at his alma mater again from 1991-1995, and closed his illustrious career with 503 wins at La Salle. He was inducted into the La Salle Hall of Athletes in 1980. 

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Diane Smelik McDonnell as well as his devoted sister, Sister Marta McDonnell R.S.M. of Philadelphia. Gene is also survived by his three loving children: Patricia Dunn (husband Jim) of Cinnaminson N.J., Gene Alan McDonnell (wife Rebecca) of Auburndale, Fla., and Julie Grantham (husband Trace) of Seminole, Fla.. Gene is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Danielle Lucas, Lauren, Nick, and Rachel Caccese, Brennan and Abbie McDonnell, Jordyn and Lisette Grantham, and four great-grandchildren: Rylyn, Ellie, Carter and Cameron.

A mass will be held at St. Jerome Church, Largo, Fla., on Friday, March 4th, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be at 2:30PM, in Bay Pines National Military Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Fla. following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene's memory to www.SuncoastHospiceFoundation.com.