Garry Nelson Obituary – Cause of Death: One of Duquesne basketball’s legendary Nelson Twins, Garry Nelson dies at age 73.
After a fall, Garry A. Nelson, a renowned athlete who was a recognizable figure on the Duquesne basketball teams of the late 1960s and early 1970s with his twin brother Barry and later a law school graduate at his alma mater, passed away on Sunday in Florida. He was 73.
“The entire Duquesne University community mourns the passing of Garry Nelson,” Duquesne president Ken Gormley said in a statement. “Garry’s impact on our institution, both in the legal field and on the basketball court, cannot be overstated. A big man at 6 (feet), 10 (inches) tall, he leaves an equally large legacy in the entire city of Pittsburgh. (Garry and Barry) were truly part of the fabric of an exciting era in Pittsburgh sports.”
Garry and Barry were dubbed the “Nelson Twins” both during and after they led Fox Chapel High School to WPIAL division titles in 1966 and 1967. They guided the Dukes to a 59-16 overall record, appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 1969 and 1971, and a spot in the 1970 NIT.
The Dukes were then one of the most well-liked and successful teams in town, in any sport, college or professional.
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