University of Delaware plans January memorial for Tubby Raymond

A memorial service will be held in Newark in January to celebrate the life of the greatest football coach in University of Delaware history.

Harold “Tubby” Raymond died December 8 after a brief illness. He was 92 years old. The public memorial will be held at UD’s Bob Carpenter Center on January 12 at 1 p.m.

Raymond led the Blue Hens football program for 36 years from 1966 to 2001. In that time, the team recorded 300 wins, three national titles and 16 NCAA playoff appearances.

Raymond just celebrated his 92nd birthday on November 14. He leaves behind his wife Diane, four children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He first wife, Susan, passed away in 1990. His son David achieved his own notoriety as the original Philly Phanatic.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Tubby Raymond Foundation, which is part of the Delaware Community Foundation.

In 2004, WHYY explored Raymond’s success on the football field and off in a half hour special. You can watch that program in its entirety at whyy.org.