Posted on Thu, Oct. 9, 2008
Joe Walters, a former Villanova basketball standout (1943-45) who maintained a close relationship with the program for the remainder of his life, died Tuesday afternoon at his Villanova home of an apparent heart attack. He was 83.
His wife, Ruth, passed away on Sept. 30.
"Joe Walters was as big a part of Villanova basketball as . . . any other Villanova legend," Wildcats coach Jay Wright said. "His love for this university and basketball program was unconditional, and his dedication to it . . . served as an inspiration to all of us.
"No one loved Villanova more. [We] will miss him dearly."
Walters was an assistant to Al Severance in his final season (1960-61), was a television analyst for Wildcat games, served on the board of trustees (1973-82) and was inducted in the Villanova Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.
He is survived by eight children (two others preceded him in death), 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the St. Thomas of Villanova chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11. *
- Mike Kern
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