Obituary: Ernest “Pal” Vandeweghe, 86

Dr. Ernest “Pal” Vandeweghe, a member of the Oceanside High School Circle of Pride, died on Nov. 8 at the age of 86.

At Oceanside, Vandeweghe starred in football, baseball and basketball. From 1945 to 1949, he attended Colgate University and became a basketball All-American. He played for the New York Knicks from 1949 until 1956, while also attending Columbia Medical School. In 1953, he married former Miss America, Colleen Hutchins.

In his last of six seasons with the Knicks, “Ernest Vandeweghe Day” was held at Madison Square Garden.

After his basketball career, Vandeweghe became a physician for the United States Air Force and then the Los Angeles Lakers before starting a private pediatric practice. His children are Shannon, Tauna, Bruk and Kiki. Tauna was an Olympic swimmer, and Kiki starred in the NBA for 13 seasons.

Vandeweghe is member of the Oceanside Athletic Hall of Fame. His death came just five days before the school welcomed a new class into the Hall, including former wrestling coach Ira Gibel, former Lacrosse coach Bob Moltisanti and alumni athletes Lore Swegler, Jim Mormile, Mike Trotta, John Randazzo, Jayme Beamer, Alex Rosen and Ron Atanasio, as well as the ‘73 soccer team. The Orzano family will also be recognized for its contributions to the community.

The school has organized a Circle of Pride dinner on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in Oceanside.