Posted on Thu, Jun. 19, 2008
Dave Lewis, the beloved Oakcrest (N.J.) High boys' basketball coach whose battle against cancer made him an inspirational figure on the sideline, died Tuesday at University of Pennsylvania Hospital of complications after abdominal surgery, his wife, Beth, said. He was 58.
Exactly three months earlier, Mr. Lewis received the Charley Dinsmore award at the Tourney Tip-Off Breakfast, a Coaches vs. Cancer event at the Palestra. The award is named in memory of a friend of Temple basketball coach Fran Dunphy.
Dunphy and St. Joseph's coach Phil Martelli head the local Coaches vs. Cancer chapter.
Despite blood transfusions and chemotherapy to combat multiple myeloma - a cancer that affects white blood cells - Mr. Lewis was able to coach a handful of games last season.
Before returning to the coaching sideline on Feb. 1, a weakened Mr. Lewis sat on the bench and assisted Frank Brown, Oakcrest's interim coach, during some practices.
"I told the kids I don't have the stamina right now, but I still have the passion for basketball," Mr. Lewis, a Vietnam War veteran, said at the time.
Before teaching and coaching for seven years, Mr. Lewis was a hospital administrator for 25 years.
"He was a great nurturer and role model for the kids," Beth Lewis said. "He had a tremendous impact on a lot of kids' lives."
In addition to his wife, Mr. Lewis is survived by his four children, Rebecca, Rachel, Emily and David.
A viewing will be held tomorrow from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Central United Methodist Church on Shore Road in Linwood, N.J. A viewing will also be held there from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by a service at the church. Burial will be at Veterans Cemetery in Estell Manor Park, Mays Landing.
Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at 215-854-5181 or scarchidi@phillynews.com.
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