Former Magic coach and radio analyst Richie Adubato died Thursday, his family shared on social media Friday.
He was 87.
“The DeVos family and the Orlando Magic are saddened to learn of the passing of Richie Adubato,” the team said in a statement.
Adubato served as assistant coach with the Magic from 1994-97, interim head coach in 1997 and radio analyst from 2005-20.
“Richie’s legacy lives on in every story and lesson he shared — a coach who turned the gym into a place of connection and joy, impacting countless lives with warmth, humor, and unforgettable spirit,” the Magic said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carol, and the entire Adubato family.”
A New Jersey native, Adubato spent time coaching with the Pistons, Knicks, Mavericks, Cavaliers and Magic across two decades in the NBA.
An interim head coach in Detroit during the 1979-80 season, he later served as the full-time head coach in Dallas from ’89-93. Following his NBA tenure, he coached in the WNBA, guiding the New York Liberty (1999-2004) and Washington Mystics (2005-07).
Before the NBA, he spent 18 years as a high school and college coach in New Jersey. A graduate of William Paterson with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1960 and a master’s degree in social science in 1970, Adubato was captain of both the basketball and baseball teams.
“Let’s remember him as the funny, smart, energetic, genuinely warm human being he always was,” Adubato’s daughter, Beth, wrote on social media.
On X, ESPN’s iconic basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale posted: “Richie was one of our “JERSEY BOYS “ along with @MikeFratello Hubie Brown & yours truly who all chased dreams in coaching .Richie coached on every level – HS -College- @NBA .He’ll be missed but never forgotten .May Richie RIP!”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com