Rollie Massimino, Former Villanova Coach, Dies At 82

VILLANOVA, PA – Roland "Rollie" Vincent Massimino, former Villanova University basketball head coach, has died at 82, according to the university.

Massimino died Wednesday, Aug. 30 in Florida surrounded by his family, the university said.

Massimino led the Wildcats to a National Championship title in 1985 and took the team to several Elite Eight rounds of the NCAA men's basketball championship during his 19-season tenure on the Main Line.

"The Nova Nation has lost a legend and great leader," Villanova head coach Jay Wright said. "Coach's love of family, community, and teamwork were evident in every game his teams ever played. All of us, as coaches and players, idolized Coach Mass. He inspired and impacted all of our lives. He never stopped being a cherished mentor and friend.

"All of us in the Villanova Basketball family extend our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Mass, his wife of 59 years, his five children - Tom, Lee Ann, Michele, R.C. and Andrew - and his 17 grandchildren," wright said.

Massimino took over the head coach job at Villanova in 1973 and totaled 357 wins for the Wildcats.

Funeral arrangements for Massimino are pending, according to the university.

Image via Dealphungo, Wikimedia Commons