In Loving Memory: John DiSangro, Loyal Aide to John Chaney and Phillies Broadcast Veteran, Dies at 60
The Philadelphia sports community is mourning the loss of one of its most quietly influential figures. John DiSangro, a trusted confidant of legendary Temple University basketball coach John Chaney and a behind-the-scenes staple in the Philadelphia Phillies broadcast production, passed away on Thursday from a heart attack at his home in Fairless Hills. He was 60 years old.
Though he never sought the spotlight, DiSangro’s fingerprints were on some of Philadelphia’s most memorable sports moments. He served as a tireless, loyal, and indispensable part of the Temple basketball program for over two decades, and later transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming a respected and beloved associate producer for Phillies games on what was then Comcast SportsNet.
Born and raised in Tacony, DiSangro developed a love of sports and storytelling early on. He attended Temple University to study journalism — a pursuit that would ultimately take a backseat to his deepening involvement in the university’s basketball program. It was during his time as a student that he connected with Coach John Chaney, a partnership that would evolve into a lifelong bond.
DiSangro began as a student manager for the Owls and quickly became much more. Over the next 20+ seasons, he became Chaney’s right-hand man — the quiet engine keeping the operation moving. He handled logistics, coordinated travel, tracked down game film, and even handled early-morning errands like picking up doughnuts for the team’s legendary 5:30 a.m. practices. No task was beneath him. No challenge was too great.
For his years of tireless devotion to the Temple basketball program, DiSangro was inducted into the Temple Basketball Ring of Honor in 2017 — a rare and deeply meaningful acknowledgment for someone who worked mostly behind the scenes. It was a testament to the impact he had on players, coaches, and the university itself.
After Chaney’s retirement in 2006, DiSangro pivoted into sports media, joining Comcast SportsNet as an associate producer for Phillies television broadcasts. Much like his role at Temple, he became the reliable, hardworking figure who made everything smoother. He never chased credit, but his colleagues knew how vital he was to the operation.
“He was the guy who, when you needed something done, he was the guy who got it done,” said Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy in a tribute following DiSangro’s passing.
Those who worked with DiSangro in both college athletics and professional broadcasting speak of him with unwavering respect. He was calm under pressure, meticulous in his preparation, and profoundly dedicated. He was also known for his wit, humility, and the kind of quiet kindness that left lasting impressions.
Former Temple players and fellow staff members remember him as more than a coworker — he was a mentor, a sounding board, and a friend. To many, he was part of what made the Temple basketball family truly feel like a family.
In broadcasting, DiSangro’s influence wasn’t limited to production roles. He helped set a tone of professionalism and collaboration that defined the Phillies’ television efforts for nearly two decades. Younger staffers often turned to him for guidance, and he answered every call with the same dedication he showed at Temple.
John DiSangro’s passing leaves a hole in the heart of the Philadelphia sports community — not because he was loud or flashy, but because he was genuine, loyal, and irreplaceable. His legacy is a reminder that the people behind the scenes are often the ones holding everything together.
As his family, friends, and colleagues mourn his sudden loss, they do so with deep gratitude for the quiet excellence he brought to everything he touched.
Details regarding services and memorial arrangements will be shared by the family in the coming days.
Rest in peace, John DiSangro. Your work, your loyalty, and your spirit will be remembered always.