Bobby Curran, a well-known sportscaster who spent 32 years covering University of Hawaii football and men's basketball, has passed away at 69. ESPN Honolulu and Hawaii Athletics confirmed the news yesterday, marking the end of a notable chapter in Hawaii's sports broadcasting history, KHON2 reported.
The New Yorker became a familiar voice in Hawaii's sports scene, not only providing play-by-play commentary but also establishing a presence at UH's KTUH radio station. His career was marked by significant achievements, including more than 400 broadcasts for UH football, a record that still stands, and covering key moments such as over a dozen bowl appearances and four NCAA Tournament men's basketball seasons. His contributions to Hawaii sports earned him a place in the UH Sports Circle of Honor in 2023, as noted in a statement from Hawaii Athletics.
The industry's respect for Curran was immense, reflecting in the six-time recognition as Hawai'i Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. But above all, it was his integration into the fabric of local culture that made him a pillar of Hawaii sports. "His voice, passion and dedication to local sports left an unforgettable mark on our community and the countless lives he touched. Bobby’s impact will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire," Kanoa Leahey, an ESPN sportscaster, told KHON2.
Though his voice will no longer narrate the events of Hawaii's athletes, his legacy will continue to resonate across airwaves and stadiums for years to come. Curran's ability to share the narrative of a game with his listeners was a significant contribution to sports culture in Hawaii. UH Athletics called him "a storyteller and magician behind the microphone," a sentiment that is shared across the sports community. He is survived by his wife Jo and sons Max and Finn, who, along with the entire Curran 'ohana, are in the thoughts of many, according to Hawaii Athletics.
