It is with great sadness that we note the passing of NBA radio and TV analyst John Andariese, a longtime supporter and dear friend of Fans for the Cure. John passed away at age 78 on March 13.
Back in 2003, when Ed Randall and a handful of pals were trying to get the charity up and running, John provided FFTC with a meeting space and a Manhattan mailing address that helped open those first doors to donors and volunteers.
Beyond his full support for Fans for the Cure, John Andariese was an institution in New York City sports, serving as a broadcaster for the Knicks for forty seasons. He also worked for ESPN, TBS, and NBA-TV, a career that culminated in his being presented with the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.
Although it was often pointed out that he was one of the few successful analysts who never played or coached at the NBA level, John had been a hoops standout at Fordham, where his teams went to two N.I.T. tournaments during his years at Rose Hill. He averaged 13 points in his senior year and was named to the school’s Hall of Fame.
On and away from the basketball arena, John was well-known around New York City as a true gentleman who carried himself with intelligence, class and professionalism. For what he gave to our charity and for the contributions he made to his hometown, we will remember him always.
Fans for the Cure sends out its deepest condolences to John’s wife, Maureen, his three daughters, and to the rest of his family.
