What Happened To Bill Schonely? Is Bill Schonely Still Alive?
by Janani | Updated Jan 23, 2023
Who Is Bill Schonely?
Bill Schonely was a sports broadcaster, from America. He was the Portland Trail Blazers' play-by-play announcer for nearly three decades, from the team's inception in 1970 to 1998. Being a native of Pennsylvania, Bill worked in radio in Louisiana and Seattle prior to his settlement in Portland, Oregon. Additionally, he was a sportscaster for Major League Baseball games, many minor league baseball teams, National Hockey League games, college sports, and junior ice hockey. William W. Schonely is the actual name of Bill Schonely. He was also "The Schonz."
What Happened To Bill Schonely?
Bill Schonely, the legendary on-air voice of the Portland Trail Blazers, has died. Bill was 93 years old, when he died, according to opb.org. Bill called games for the NBA team for about three decades, which included the team’s historic championship win in 1977. Bill Portland sports journalist Kerry Eggers gave an announcement on Bill Schonely’s demise around 2 a.m. on January 21, 2023. Bill popularised the phrase "RIP City" during the team's first season, when the Los Angeles Lakers arrived in town for the first time, preceded by Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.
Is Bill Schonely Still Alive?
Bill Schonely a famous Portland Trail Blazers broadcaster, sadly passed away on January 21, 2023. He was 93. Bill died in Portland with his wife of 31 years, Dottie, beside him, the team said, according to washingtonpost.com. The cause of Bill’s death was not revealed. He is affectionately called "The Schonz". Bill Schonely was the team’s broadcaster for its inaugural season in 1970 and served in the same job for some 28 years, which included the team’s NBA championship run in 1977. He was born on 1 June 1929.
Is Bill Schonely Dead?
Yes, Bill Schonely is dead. Bill Schonely died of an unrevealed cause on January 21, 2023, a Saturday. He was 93, at the time of his death, as per opb.org. In 2003, Bill Schonely was hired back by the Trail Blazers' new management. Bill Schonely has recorded television advertisements for Standard TV and Appliances. He has also recorded for other businesses in the Portland area. He was the emcee of the former Fred Meyer Challenge charity golf tournament.
When Did Bill Schonely Died?
Bill Schönely died on January 21, 2023. After exiting broadcasting, Bill Schonely was an ambassador with the Blazers, as per washingtonpost.com. He was a frequent fixture at home games until his formal retirement last year. Bill moved to Seattle in 1956 and entered KOMO radio, then moved to KOMO-TV, where he served with famous ABC Sports broadcaster Keith Jackson. In 1967, Bill became the radio voice for the Seattle SuperSonics, which had just been created at the time by NBA expansion.
How Did Bill Schonely Died?
Bill Schonely, who served with a distinctive baritone and who coined the phrase "Rip City," passed away on January 21, 2023, a Saturday. He was 93 years old at the time of his death. According to espn.in, he was called The Schonz, and Bill was the team's broadcaster for its inaugural season in 1970. He served in that job for nearly 28 years, which included the team's NBA championship run in 1977. He passed away in Portland with his wife, by his side, the team said. Still, the cause of his death was not released.
Bill Schonely Wife
Dottie Kehr was the wife of Bill Schonely. As per opb.org, Bill Schonely consequently got remarried to Dottie Kehr. Dottie Kehr was his high school sweetheart. Both of them reconnected before Bill went to his 50th high school reunion. "I called Dottie and I said, ‘You don’t know who this is do you?’" he said, remembering the conversation. Dottie Kehr was his wife, whom he married for the second time. His first wife was Barbara. From Bill’s first marriage, he has four children. In 1992, Bill married Dottie, his second wife.
What Happened To Bill Schonely - FAQs
Bill Schonely was an American sports broadcaster.
Bill Schonely was 93 at the time of his death.
Bill Schonely was born on 1st June 1929.
Bill Schonely had 4 children.
Bill Schonely had American Nationality.