Bob DeFelice, Legendary Bentley Coach And AD, Dies At 82

News release from Bentley Athletics.

WALTHAM, MA — Bentley University mourns the passing of Coach Bob DeFelice, the Falcons' legendary former baseball coach and director of Athletics.

DeFelice, a Falcon for more than a half century, passed away Sunday at the age of 82. He was Bentley's head baseball coach from the program's inception in 1969 through the 2022 season, was the Director of Athletics from 1991 to 2020, and was named Baseball Coach Emeritus in 2022.

"Coach DeFelice's most lasting legacy will be that of an educator," said J. Andrew Shepardson, Bentley's vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. "His own successful athletic career, unparalleled coaching prowess, and creativity as an athletics administrator are memorable, but his focus on the power of education to transform lives was his passion. It was true for him personally and true for the hundreds of athletes he supported and inspired on their academic and personal journeys. His legacy will live on in their success."

"The magnitude of Coach DeFelice's influence and leadership on Bentley athletics is a legacy that will never be forgotten," said Vaughn Williams, director of Athletics. "The DNA of Bentley Athletics was influenced by Coach. It is the foundation of what we have and will continue to build on in the years to come."

DeFelice's tenure as director of Athletics featured growth, success on the playing fields and excellence in the classroom for Falcon student-athletes.

DeFelice oversaw multiple capital projects throughout his career, significantly improving the university's athletic facilities. There was the renovation of the football field and the addition of the Robert DeFelice Baseball Field, the grass soccer field and track.

He also oversaw the 2006 renovation of the Dana Center, including the construction of a new fitness center, food court and the Carleton Room (for functions and meetings), and he was instrumental in the building of the Bentley Arena, as well as the expansion of the women's varsity athletic locker rooms. His final project as the renovation of the softball field, which was completed two years ago.

Under DeFelice's leadership, the hockey team was elevated to Division I, there were more than 100 Northeast-10 championships and NCAA tournament appearances in ten team sports and several individual sports, and both women's basketball and field hockey captured NCAA Division II national championships.

It was on the baseball diamond where DeFelice found his most enjoyment and coached the Falcons in more than 1,800 contests. He touched the lives of hundreds of student-athletes, including Mike Hill, who succeeded the lifelong Winthrop resident as head coach. Hill starred for the Falcons in the mid-nineties and was his assistant coach for more than two decades.

"I am heartbroken and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Coach DeFelice, a loss that resonates profoundly with everyone he touched," said Hill. "His unwavering support and dedication to his players were truly remarkable. I will always be grateful for the impact he had on my life and the baseball program. His legacy will live on in our hearts."

DeFelice, a 1963 graduate of Boston College, was the recipient of numerous awards over the decades and was enshrined in nine hall of fames. The list includes the Bentley Athletic Hall of Fame, the BC Athletic Hall of Fame, the Winthrop High School Hall of Fame and the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

DeFelice's long resume included 17 years as head football coach at Winthrop High School, where he won two Eastern Massachusetts Division II Super Bowl championships, and three years of professional baseball in the Red Sox organization. He helped establish the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference and was a founder of the Eastern Football Conference, as well as the EFC commissioner.

DeFelice is survived by his wife Patricia, their four children and seven grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.