Fairless Hills, PA — The Philadelphia sports world is in mourning following the sudden death of John DiSangro, a quiet giant behind the scenes in both college basketball and Phillies broadcasting. DiSangro passed away from a heart attack at his home in Fairless Hills on Thursday. He was 60.
For decades, DiSangro was the heartbeat behind the hustle—first as a trusted right-hand man to Hall of Fame Temple basketball coach John Chaney, and later as a meticulous associate producer for Phillies telecasts. Known affectionately to many as “Sang,” he was the consummate teammate: dependable, dedicated, and deeply respected by everyone who worked alongside him.
“He was like the bass player in a rock band,” said Jon Slobotkin, who hired him to produce Phillies games. “You might not notice him, but everything worked because of him.”
Born and raised in the Tacony section of Philadelphia, DiSangro’s love of sports took root early. He grew up immersed in the rhythms of Philadelphia athletics, quizzed by older kids on stats and scores, and fell headlong into a lifelong commitment to the games that united his city. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School and studying journalism at Temple University, he joined Chaney’s basketball staff as a student manager—a fateful step that began a 20-plus-year journey with the Owls.
During his time with Temple, DiSangro did it all: scouting opponents, booking travel, handing out tickets, even picking up doughnuts before 5:30 a.m. practices. He became family to Chaney and to every player who came through the program. In 2017, he was rightfully honored with a place in the Temple Basketball Ring of Honor.
“Chaney took John under his wing,” said his brother, Steve. “He was like a son to him. Their relationship was incredible.”
When Coach Chaney retired in 2006, DiSangro brought his talents to the Phillies’ broadcast team at Comcast SportsNet. There, he helped shape the look and feel of Phillies telecasts—running graphics, scripting trivia segments, and keeping everything on track behind the camera. He earned a World Series ring with the team in 2008, but it was never about the accolades for Sang. He simply wanted to make sure everyone had what they needed.
“He was the guy who, when you needed something done, he was the guy who got it done,” recalled broadcaster Tom McCarthy.
John DiSangro’s legacy is one of quiet excellence, selfless service, and unshakable loyalty. His absence leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of his loved ones, friends, colleagues, and the entire Philadelphia sports community.
He is survived by his longtime partner, Daryl Ehrhart; her children Kristin and John (Jennifer); grandchildren Kristin, Jason, Jordan, Jade, Rhys, and Declan; siblings Steve (Linda), Gina (John), and Mary (Roy); and nephews Rocco, Lucas, John, and Christopher.
Viewings will be held Wednesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home in Levittown, with a service to follow at 11 a.m.
Rest in peace, Sang. Your work may have been behind the scenes, but your impact was front and center in the lives of so many.
