Harold Deane Sr.

Coach Harold A. Deane, Sr. affectionately known as “Beethoven” of Roanoke, Virginia (VA) came into this world on June 19, 1939 (Juneteenth). Peacefully departed this life with his family by his side on Saturday, February 3, 2024 (Black History Month), in Petersburg, VA. He was the only child of Alice Deane Macklin and Theodore Macklin, Sr. of Roanoke, Virginia.

Coach Deane was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Deane Macklin; father, Theodore Macklin, Sr.; sister, Barbara Macklin Motley; brothers, Robert and Theodore Macklin, Jr.; and cousin, Audrey Deane Young.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Thelma Deane; daughter, Benita Deane; son, Harold Deane, Jr.; grandchildren, Victoria Deane, Harold, and Christopher Westbrook. Cousins: Wilfred Chrichlow, Elaine O’Neal, Bernard Dean, Harry Dean, Sherman Deane, Reginald Davis, Leonard Davis, Anthony Davis, and Clyde Singleton. In-laws: Fred Young, Shirley Davis, Marion Forbes Brown, Herman and Margaret Forbes, Alvin and Joann Forbes, and Llewellyn and Vera Forbes with many other relatives, classmates, and numerous childhood friends, James Duckett and James Bethel.

Deane’s family members nicknamed him “Nod”. He was also affectionately known as “Beethoven” during his college days. As a vocalist, Harold performed at the university freshman talent show the song, “Roll Over Beethoven”, which became his nickname “Beethoven”, to this very day.

At an early age, Coach Deane was baptized at First Baptist Church in Gainsboro, VA. In later years, he moved his membership to Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA under the ministry of Rev. Dr. Andrew J. White, Sr. Harold remained a faithful member until his illness.

Harold prepared to be a singer, teacher, leader, coach, and sports official at an early age by outstanding family, friends, church, teachers, coaches, and the YMCA. Deane was 16 years old when he graduated early in 1956 from Lucy Addison High School where he was co-captain of the basketball team.

His leadership and musical talents continued in the YMCA, as vice-president, assistant student director, soloist of the choir, and high jumper on the track team.

Coach Deane was a basketball walk-on at Virginia State College (1956-1961), started for 3 years, selected Captain of the team after playing every position but point guard, and lettered on the track team in the high jump.

Deane received a US Army ROTC Commission, made the 1961 all CIAA Tourney team, placed 4th in the Penn Relays high jumping 6’4”and was President of the Big Brothers Association at Virginia State College (VSC), where Harold majored in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER), earning a Bachelor of Science degree.

After college graduation, Harold Deane, Sr. received offers from the Detroit Pistons, Washington Capitals, Harlem Clowns and was a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Medical Service Corps at Fort Benning, GA. Deane was Captain of the 1963 3rd US Army basketball championship team and received the General’s letter of commendation for outstanding leadership displayed during Exercise Swift Strike 111 after two years of active duty.

At Howard University, Coach Deane was an instructor, assistant Track and field coach, junior varsity basketball coach 1964-1965 with a (16-2) record. He was Head Basketball Coach at Cardozo High School in Washington, DC from 1965-1969 with a (69-12) winning record, while earning a Master of Arts in Education at Howard University and post-graduate study at George Washington University.

As Head Basketball Coach and assistant professor at Virginia State University using the “pressure defense” and “quick break”. Virginia State won the men’s basketball championship in 1972 at Fort Eustis, VA, the NAIA District 29 tournament (1974) and the 1988 CIAA Basketball Championship with a (23-10) record. Deane received VCAA coach of the year, was Vice-President of the CIAA Men’s Basketball Coach Association and CIAA Coach of the Year 1972, 1974 (22-8), 1976, 1988.

Deane’s publications are “Health Knowledge Needs and Interests of College Students” (1968) and “Positive Attitudes and Winning” (1974). In 2020, Coach Deane had notable mention in his friend’s John Thompson’s autobiography “I Came as A Shadow: An Autobiography”. The book highlighted their rivalry and comradery between the two head basketball coaches, John Thompson (Gonzaga) and Harold Deane, Sr. (Cardozo).

Cardozo High School in Washington, DC is also where Coach Deane’s protégé and player, Mike Riley, went on to play for Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University who later became his assistant basketball coach. Coach Mike Riley is now the Head Basketball Coach at the University of the District of Columbia and longtime family friend.

In 2011, Deane was the keynote speaker at the Roanoke chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet. Harold also spoke at the VHSL Coaches clinic, and VAHPERD in 1974.

Coach Deane officiated high school basketball, baseball, and softball (USSSA), College Divisions I, II, III Men and Women’s basketball, CIAA, ACC Carolina Conference, and ODAC.

Coach Deane was VSU’s Homecoming Parade Marshall in 2012. The CIAA Hall of Fame inducted Harold Deane on February 28, 2014, for Coaching Excellence. He retired from Virginia State University on September 1, 2015.

On February 6, 2016, the Office of the Mayor in Petersburg, VA issued a Proclamation in honor of Harold Deane, Sr.’s commitment to Virginia State University and humanitarian efforts.

On March 23, 2016, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors recognized Coach Deane for his many years of contributions to the community.

He was an Eppo in the Petersburg Chapter of the National Epicureans, Inc. Deane was also a 50-year member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and recently received a Living Legend honor at VSU in October 2023.

Coach Deane dedicated his time, energy, and love to his family, church, students, players, and to Virginia State University, the school that he loved so much. He enjoyed teaching and interacting with his students and friends. He will truly be missed by all.

Many Thanks to Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Zion Baptist Church, JM Wilkerson Funeral Home, River View on the Appomattox Health and Rehab Center, Dinwiddie Health and Rehabilitation Center, Care Advantage Skilled, the Virginia State University community, Chesterfield County EMS and Fire Department, the Tri-Cities hospitals in the state of Virginia, the City of Roanoke, VA (hometown), family and friends.